First research team at the Nordic Humanities Centre assembled

We tend to pride ourselves on how the Nordic model is perceived abroad, but in recent years it has come under increasing pressure from various quarters, so what is its claim to legitimacy? This is the very question that the first research team at the Nordic Humanities Centre is investigating. 

Nordic model under the microscope

- Until now, humanities research has been more or less sidelined in this debate, but with this project we will bring our knowledge into play. Rather than mimic the strengths of other disciplines, such as economic analyses, we seek to help to qualify the debate with what we are good at as humanities researchers, says Klaus Petersen, Professor of Welfare History at SDU, who, together with his colleague from the University of Copenhagen, Professor of History Karen Vallgårda, is leading the first research relay at the Nordic Humanities Center. 

- We can provide historical and cultural insight into current issues and point to areas where the welfare state has faced significant challenges in the past. This can hone our understanding of what is embedded in how we view challenges today, says Karen Vallgårda. 
 

The individual versus the state 

Over the next year, the team of researchers will organise workshops, panel discussions and participate widely in the public debate. All these activities will focus especially on the part of the Nordic model that deals with the relationship between the individual and the state.

- At the core of the Nordic model is the relationship between the individual and the state, and the model is characterised by a high level of trust in the state. This has made it possible to implement reforms and adapt the model when needed. We are now seeing a growing distrust of the state, which makes some challenges more difficult to handle, says Klaus Petersen, who also emphasises literature’s engagement with our model of society as an opportunity to expand the social debate to include more than financial balances.

Karen Vallgårda’s research has focused on divorce, childhood and violence. She also sees this topic as a trend towards a change in the relationship between the individual and the state.

- In the relationship between state, family and the individual, there is a constant negotiation about the division of responsibilities, and while the state has been taking care of tasks for several years, we are now seeing a tendency for the family to be involved in welfare work in some areas. This applies, for example, to parts of the psychiatric field and certain care tasks, says Karen Vallgårda.

Visiting researchers from the Nordic region

During the year, recognised guest researchers from the Nordic region will also be affiliated with the Nordic Humanities Center. Among them is Professor Johan Strang from the University of Helsinki, who, on behalf of the Nordic Council, has examined the renaissance that Nordic co-operation is experiencing today – fuelled by global interest in the Arctic region and the robustness of the Nordic countries’ welfare models.

- The Nordic Humanities Center gives us a unique opportunity for the humanities to make its mark on several key societal challenges, and with a theme on the Nordic model, we are off to a great start. It’s exciting, creative and important, and it’s a pleasure to work with the centre’s fellows,’ says Professor Anders Engberg-Pedersen, Head of the Nordic Humanities Center.

The official opening of the Nordic Humanities Center will take place on 7 March at the South Campus of the University of Copenhagen.