The research topic for this class is this: Scandinavia — Worker’s Paradise or Capitalist Haven?
Perhaps you’ve “felt the Bern” (Sen. Bernie Sanders) or heard other like sources talk about the Socialist (Worker’s) Paradise to be found in Scandinavia. Most often the focus is on Sweden, though the other two countries sometimes get similar attention. Here’s the gist of it: Scandinavia has given the world a “third-way” economic model referred to as Democratic Socialism that successfully integrates the wealth creation of
Capitalism with the social safety net of Socialism. In this model, government grows in size and reach into individual lives and business operations with the associated increase of taxation for both groups. However, the benefits provided by said government outweigh the cost, according to the advocates. These same sources then go on to advocate this model for the United States.
Select a (just one!) Scandinavian country: Sweden, Norway or Denmark.
Review the definitions of Capitalism and Socialism below. Using these as a guide, look at the behavior of your chosen state within the framework provide.
Research its economic and political behavior from 1990 to 2020.
Now analyze.
Was your country’s economic system more socialist or capitalist in 1990?
Was it more or less socialist or capitalist in 2020?
Explain the direction of change and what it suggest about the effectiveness of “Democratic Socialism”.
Provide evidence for your conclusion.
Did the size of government grow or shrink during this time?
Did businesses have more or less control by the government during this time?
Did the tax rate for business and individuals grow or shrink during this time?
Using these and other questions that support your points, make your case — is your country more Capitalist or Socialist today?
DEFINITIONS
Socialism
Government owns and or controls the means of production. Production and consumer prices are controlled by the government to best meet the needs of the people. Thus, business decisions are made centrally by government representatives.
A common complaint about Socialism is loss of personal freedoms. The more the government controls the property of citizens, the more it controls the individual citizen’s lives.
This is most often first criticized in its early stages when government expands social welfare programs. This often leads to high taxes and slowed or declining economic growth.
Capitalism
The means of production are privately owned. Production and consumer prices are based on a free-market system of supply and demand. Thus, consumers dictate business decisions.
A common complaint about Capitalism is the tendency for income inequality and the power exercised by those with more money.
This is most often criticized in periods of economic downturns when the differences become more obvious.
REQUIREMENTS
Produce and submit a Microsoft word document (.doc or .docx).
Standard English
Introduction, thesis statement, supporting paragraphs, conclusion
1-inch margins
12-point Times New Roman font
No less than 10 pages; no more than 15 pages not including title page, references, and appendixes
APA parenthetical style
Support your work with scholarly sources.
This isn’t the place for the propaganda from your favorite political party or talking head. Look at real analysis of economic and political behavior.
