Bjorklund, A. and Freeman, Richard B. (1995) Generating equality and eliminating poverty the Swedish way. CEPDP (228). London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Economic Performance, London, UK.
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Sweden has a remarkable record in reducing inequality and virtually eliminating poverty. This paper shows that: 1) Sweden achieved its egalitarian income distribution and eliminated poverty largely because of its system of earnings and income determination, not because of homogeneity of the population nor its educational system. 2) In the job market Sweden is distinguished by a relatively egalitarian distribution of hours of work among those employed, which may be an interrelated part of the Swedish economic system, and until the recent recession, by a high employment rate. 3) Tax and transfer policies contribute substantially to Sweden''s overall distribution record. In contrast to many social welfare systems, Sweden''s is largely a workfare system, providing benefits for those with some work activity. 4) Part of Sweden''s historic success in maintaining jobs for low wage workers while raising their wages resulted from policies that directly or indirectly buttress demand for low skill workers, notably through public sector employment. 5) Sweden''s tax and transfer policies have maintained the position of lower income workers and families, including those with children, during its recent economic decline.
| Item Type: | Monograph (Discussion Paper) |
|---|---|
| Official URL: | http://cep.lse.ac.uk |
| Additional Information: | © the authors |
| Divisions: | Centre for Economic Performance |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Aug 2008 09:10 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Sep 2023 22:42 |
| URI: | http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/20773 |
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