Sociology Quality of Life; Achievements and Lessons

Sociology

Quality of Life; Achievements and Lessons from Norway

Question 1; What are the unique aspects of Norway that made its advantages and successes so great?

Norway's success n the twentieth century, and its ability to gain the number 1 ranking in as the best place to live in the U.N. Human Development Report. The developments in Norway reflect some unique conditions which indicate the advantages and successes achieved were great. The starting point for these considerations is the condition of the country and the situation prior to the developments; with Norway being one of the poorest European countries at the beginning of the twentieth century (Williams). This alone is not a unique position, as Norway was not the poorest, but given the current quality of life, this starting point does indicate the achievement that has been seen.

It may be argued that the austerity of the poverty created a culture that has been maintained and supported development with a culture of frugality (Williams). When people have to be careful with money, and make the most of limited resources it creates a culture of efficiency, where there is little waste as it cannot be afforded, as well as careful consideration for non-essential spending. It may also be argued that poor economic conditions may also impact on individuals, and the way in which personal and social priorities develop, including ideas of social justice and equality.

During time of frugality, blatant displays of wealth are seen as unnecessary and undesirable as they are 'showing off'. While the economic conditions in Norway have changed, this culture of care and frugality and care in the way money has been spent at both a state level and an individual level has been retained; not only in terms of the careful nature of spending, social equality, and rejection of blatant displays of wealth (Williams). This can be seen as divergent from many other states, as there is a higher level of social cohesion in terms of the values, which impacts on spending patterns and policies.

The current systems that create such as high level of quality of life are based in universal rights, which manifest from the concept of equality and fairness in society. The Norwegian system is one of universal entitlement, where all people have the right to education, healthcare and an income if they are unable to work, which will give them a reasonable standard of living, which may also be seen as a contrast to many other western nations where the welfare system provided for only subsistence levels. The benefits of this approach are broad; the access to education allows for opportunities to be based on ability rather than class, with access to education unemployment is low, and issues such as homeless simply do not exist. This also helps to create a very safe society, with low crime rates. There is little doubt that many other nations would be abler to emulate this model, with high levels of social equality and welfare support if they were willing to pay the high taxes which are needed. Williams does note that there is some grumbling about taxes in Norway, but there appears to be a willingness to suffer the high taxes in order to benefit from such as good lifestyle, It is perhaps the attitudes of the Norwegians that is most important and makes the achievements so great, as they have a high level of social responsibility, which is present even when it is noted