Stateness, universalism and equality are three main characteristics of the Nordic welfare model. A strong and good organized state has a great importance for the development of a welfare state. In terms of the state the decentralization of power has a great value. For example, local government play key role in a building relationships with civil social organizations. This cooperation helps to makes process of decision making more intensive and take into account the needs of citizens. Another important element of the development of a welfare state are interest groups or civil society organizations. They play a key role in the formation of a strong state by promoting the trust and solidarity among the members of this pressure groups. High level …show more content…
Scandinavian policies are based on a system of equal rights, opportunities and equal access to welfare facilities such as education, healthcare and culture for all population categories. Nordic countries are creating equality by combat poverty, gender equality and egalitarian income distribution. Social services in those countries have the aim to reduce poverty and meet the basic needs of the population. Reducing poverty was one of the main goals in the Nordic countries from the very beginning of the existence of the welfare model. As a results of low unemployment rates, transparency and individual autonomy they have had the lowest poverty rates in the world in those countries. Furthermore, it should be noted that the social equality is based on egalitarian income distribution. Nordic mentality has a high sense of social justice and an incredibly high level of trust into the government policy and among the fellow citizens. This factors helped to reach equality by high taxation, egalitarian income distribution and robust social services. The question of gender equality has an important place in Scandinavian countries. Women were actively participating in female reforms. They were very successful regarding individual rights relatively early. Nordic government legislated a policy which give them autonomy, the possibility to be engaged in the labor market and politics. Those countries, famous for their women-friendly welfare state, providing individual taxation and social insurance. The responsibilities for high employment rate of the women, transfers to single mothers and childcare are shared between municipalities. Thanks to this well-working system of decentralization and high welfare benefits Scandinavia decreased the gender gap. One more important factor in developing gender equality is parental leave policies. Childcare in Nordic countries is covered in the same level as the homecare for elderly or