Will the USA Ever Match the Development of Scandinavian Countries?

The comparison between the USA and the Scandinavian countries often arises in discussions of economic, social, and cultural development. While the USA has vast wealth and resource, it still faces significant challenges in striving towards a level of development that aligns more closely with its Scandinavian counterparts. This article explores the various factors that make this comparison nuanced and complex.

Overview of Scandinavian Development

Scandinavian countries, including Iceland, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, are often highlighted for their exemplary standards in human development indices (HDI), ranking among the highest in the world. As of the United Nations Development Report 2019 Statistical Update, their HDIs are:

Finland: 0.920 Sweden: 0.933 Denmark: 0.929 Norway: 0.953 Iceland: 0.947

The USA, with an HDI of 0.924, is not far behind.

Comparison Points

Growth and Economy

The USA has experienced significant economic growth, particularly in the service and knowledge-based industries. Before the 2020 pandemic, the US economy was impressive, with growth in almost all sectors. However, decades of manufacturing outsourcing have skewed this growth, leading to dominance in services and knowledge-based sectors. In 2019, the US ranked 10th in GDP per capita, just behind the Scandinavian nations.

Quality of Life and Happiness

Happiness in Scandinavian countries is often attributed to factors such as social welfare, high standards of living, and robust public services. In 2019, the United Nations World Happiness Report ranked:
Finland: 1st Norway: 2nd Iceland: 3rd Denmark: 4th Sweden: 6th

While the USA ranked 18th, indicating a gap in quality of life and happiness that needs to be addressed.

Culture and Government

Scandinavian countries are closely tied by shared cultural, governmental, and societal values. However, they vary in terms of political ideology and cultural norms. It's essential to recognize that the USA has a unique cultural heritage rooted in Christian and Western values, which is reflected in factors like religion and individualism.

Education and Public Values

Religion, historically a significant part of American society, plays a less prominent role in Scandinavian countries, allowing for more secular governments. The absence of this shared belief system can lead to a different approach to governance and societal norms. For example, the economic model in Sweden allows for a balance between free market principles and extensive welfare systems, while the USA is moving towards more socialistic policies.

Taxation and Welfare

The USA currently lacks the widespread acceptance of high taxation seen in Scandinavian countries. The constitution and political landscape in the USA make it challenging to implement the level of welfare that ensures cradle-to-grave security. In contrast, Scandinavian countries rely heavily on broad-reaching welfare states supported by high taxes, which are generally accepted by the populace.

Challenges for the USA

For the USA to align more closely with the Scandinavian model, several significant changes would be necessary:

High Taxation: The USA would need to develop a culture of accepting high taxation, comparable to Scandinavian countries, which fund extensive welfare programs. Welfare and Individualism: Shift from the current focus on individual responsibility towards a system that provides more robust support for all citizens, inclusive of those without means. Education and Cultural Values: Modify cultural and educational systems to promote collectivism and shared responsibility, which are more prevalent in Scandinavia.

Current Trends and Challenges

Despite ongoing efforts, the USA faces several challenges in aligning with the Scandinavian model. Issues such as immigration and its impact on cultural unity and social cohesion are significant. Recent studies, such as the The 25 Revolution, indicate that a minority of 25% can significantly influence and potentially reshape society. This observation is particularly pertinent given the current influx of immigrants into Scandinavian countries.

The Need for Change: With a changing population and cultural dynamics, the USA will need to adapt its political, economic, and social frameworks to better align with the Scandinavian model. However, achieving this level of development is complex and requires significant political and social shifts.

Conclusion

While the USA has many strengths, aligning with the level of development and quality of life in Scandinavian countries presents a significant challenge. Addressing factors such as taxation, education, and cultural values will be crucial for the USA to pursue further development and closer alignment with this exemplary model.

References

United Nations Development Report 2019 Statistical Update, UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)

Scandinavian Countries: Human Development Index (HDI), UNDP

World Happiness Report 2019, Sustainable Development Solutions Network