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1. What unique historical, cultural and socio-political factors have contributed to the establishment of a comprehensive social welfare state in Sweden?

  * Sweden has no participated in a war since Napoleonic war 1813
  * Neutral country-less expenditure on military
  * During great depression Economic growth was @ 6%.
  * Neutral between east and west during the cold war
  * Avoided instability of capitalism, repression, and inefficiency of socialism.
  * Ethically and culturally homogeneous people.
  * Strong sense of solidarity
  * Liking for conciliation and compromise not conflict and fighting
  * Always free people, no feudalism, and free peasants
  * All the above homogeneity solidarity free cooperation enabled to develop a comprehensive social welfare system

  2. Explain the main features of the industrial organization of Sweden

  * 90% of the industry is in private hands
  * Social Democratic party ruled since 1930’s
  * SDP unlike other European social democratic parties did   not believe in nationalization
  * Private sector of Swedish industry dominated by a small number of large corporations
  * Average Swedish industry 80% of output produced by 3 largest companies. FFCR very high, monopolist is very high.
  * To offset monopoly power of corporations two things:
  * Allow cheap foreign imports
  * Consumer cooperatives

  3. Please describe the characteristics of labor markets of Sweden

  * Workers participate in decision making
  * If a company has 25 or more employees must allow two union members to sit in the board of directors
  * Wage earners fund
  * Corporate profit tax
  * Supplementary payroll buy shares of the company for workers

  4.   Describe the characteristics of the social welfare system of Sweden.
  * Cash maternity benefits
  * Family allowance for each child until 16 years of age regardless of income
  * Free child care
  * Free health care Ex: dental and surgery... [continues]

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