The modern welfare state finds itself in the middle of two major upheavals: the impact of technology and immigration. Having taken in more refugees per capita than most other countries, the pillars of the Swedish welfare state are being shaken, and digital technologies are set to strengthen already existing trends towards job and wage polarization. The development of skills to keep pace with technology will enter into a critical period for the labor market in which inadequate policy responses could result in further inequality and polarization. In this regard, a platform-based labor market could help by opening up a vast range of new work opportunities.

Marten Blix examines the implications of these trends that drive change in developed economies and, in particular, the impact that they have on Sweden and other European countries with rigid labor markets and comprehensive tax-financed welfare services. Increasing costs from immigration and rising inequality could further reduce the willingness to pay high taxes and erode support for redistribution. Failure to address challenges like this one could herald much more drastic changes down the road. There are already signs of economic and political tensions and there is a risk that the social contract could crack.

This new discussion on the future of work and the welfare state will be of interest not only to scholars but in policy circles and corresponding societies in sociology, labor relations, political science and public administration.

About the Author
Marten Blix, Research Institute of Industrial Economics, Sweden

Reviews
'The famous Swedish Model of the welfare state is at a turning point as the pressures of technological change, income inequality and high levels of immigration meet the constraints of the country's inflexible labour and housing markets. Marten Blix argues in this incisive book that with its sound public finances and high levels of trust, Sweden is well placed to respond to the pressures, and he describes a route through these challenges; but it will require some profound institutional changes. The Swedish Model of the future will have to look very different if it is to succeed.'
--Diane Coyle, University of Manchester, UK

'Using the economic and social laboratory of Sweden, Marten Blix provides a fascinating window into the future of the welfare state with the threats and opportunities from a massive increase in immigration and rapid digitilisation of the economy. The Swedish Model's core features of collective bargaining, broad unionisation and a strong fiscal base are eroding, increasing inequality and challenging the legitimacy of the political consensus to date. His interesting observations and balanced analysis of the growing importance of platform-based jobs and life-long learning have implications much beyond Sweden.'
--Erik Bergloef, London School of Economics, UK

'While the treatment of a Citizen's Income is inadequate, this is a most useful book and particularly useful is its focus on Sweden.'
--Citizen's Income

Book Information
ISBN 9781786432940
Author Marten Blix
Format Hardback
Page Count 200
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd