Swedish myths about money are examined in a historical perspective, delineating the dilemma of the poor and rich from medieval to modern times. The Swedish model characterized by centralism and collectivism is contrasted to the Danish alternative in its evolution from patriarchalism to capitalism. The political process of social justice from the ancient notions of “Fortuna” to the socialist vision of solidarity in the people's home (folkhemmet) is discussed in terms of the needs of the welfare state vis-à-vis the new capitalism at the end of the millennium.
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