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Abstract

The welfare state still enjoys widespread public support, hut it has also drawn widespread criticism This article deals with swings in public sentiments from collectivity to individualism. First, some examples are presented from the Nordic countries that reflect a shift from public to private. criticism of control and social technology, the debate on welfare scroungers, inti-tax movements and the hlack economy. and various forms of privatization Second, it is asked whether history justifies talk of a collecmnty-mdmdualism cvclc or merely of alternations between collectivity and individualism Finally, five causes are identified behind the growth of individualism (1) the failure of the institutions of the welfare state, (2) the new economic situation, (3) the rise of new middle classes, (4) changes in cultural deep structures, and (5) the hegemonic struggle in demarcating the private and public Individualism is gaining ground, but doing so in a very complex way Behind the growth of individualism, it is possible to identify several interwined changes The changes involve serious problems, especially the growth of egoism but on the other hand the new situation also open, new prospects for the develipment of a rich Individuality.

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From Collectivity to Individualism in the Welfare State?

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