This election season much attention is being given to democratic socialism. The Northern European Nordic countries, specifically Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden, are prime examples of the successes of the Democratic Socialist type of governments.
There is no doubt that, by any measure, democratic socialism works extremely well in the Nordic countries, along with others such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. In comparison to more capitalistic driven states, most, if not all, quality of life issues are substantially better in democratic socialist countries. Economic opportunity, access to health care, the environment, education, crime rates, and most other major metrics of a strong society all rank better in countries using the democratic socialist model. It’s no surprise then that Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark are consistently ranked at the top of many “happiest countries in the world” lists.
It would take volumes to attempt to explain how something as complex as democratic socialism (or any other social system) works. However, its basic tenants are fairly simple: a society does best when each of its members are given both the right, and the capability, to succeed, regardless of economic, social, or political standing; and the individual thrives when provided with this opportunity. The “pursuit of happiness” is just a cruel taunt without the actual means to achieve it. So yes, this may require some of the dreaded “redistribution of wealth” ( or what most would call fair, progressive tax rates) we often hear about. But far from being some Stalin-like communism, it simply means that the ones who profit most from the system do their share to ensure that system’s continued well-being. Government regulation in these countries is actually limited (some don’t even have a minimum wage); however, as the government sees to those things that business can’t or won’t (like health care) the individual is free to realize his/her highest potential, further strengthening the society.
Even with all the concern for the overall societal good, there’s no lack of personal initiative or spirit of free enterprise. But unlike in America, where the improbable achievement of mega wealth and the ever present chance of poverty are prime motivators, the democratic socialist sees the chance to be a valuable contributor to society as the reason to work and be productive. Also, short term corporate profits aren’t automatically equated to the long term national good. In other words the desire for wealth has its place, but it’s not everything.
The democratic socialist countries do have their problems however. As the population ages generous pensions will be difficult to maintain; globalization will put pressure on unions and wages; and there is no doubt that taxes, by American standards, are generally high. But any solutions suggested for these problems are more likely to be geared toward the welfare of everyone, and less apt to depend on giving more to the rich and hoping for that elusive “trickle down effect” that never seems to materialize. And it must be remembered that these countries have free, and, compared to us, transparent elections. There are no gulags, commissars, state sanctioned candidates, or secret police. Their leaders are held to high standards with moneyed interests not allowed to influence politics to the extent they do in the U.S. Voter participation is high and the electorate well informed. Indeed, democratic socialist governments are so accountable to their residents, any unpopular polices would quickly be changed. Democratic socialist are every bit as “free” as we are, just more prosperous.
We can learn much from the democratic socialist countries, and many of their principles can be adapted to our country. Given the continued failings of unchecked capitalism and the undeniable achievements of the Nordic style governments, they at least deserve a closer look.