STATE-BUILDING IN SCANDINAVIA

The Nordic states have often been considered similar in history, cultu re, and social structure. We argue that there are important difference s between an east-nordic model of state building, of which Sweden is t he most important example, and a west-nordic model, with Denmark as th e most important representative. Sweden's state culture is characteriz ed by paternalistic corporatism, in contrast to Denmark's liberal welf are state. The differences derive from different paths to modernity. D enmark's strong and modem absolutism was abruptly changed to strong li beralism with an extraordinary class of farmers acting as a leading po litical force. Sweden maintained a system of estate representation tha t was gradually changed into a corporatist society. Their different pa ths are reflected in welfare and trade policies and political institut ions.