Abstract
Since the end of the 20th century, Sweden is known for having one of the most extensive welfare states in the world. A welfare state is a social system whereby the state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens, especially in matters of health care, employment and social security. Sweden has developed its welfare system on the basis of several fundamental principles. Among them are solidarity, economic, social and gender equality, participation and planned economy. Despite this, it has been criticized for its cost; but this system has often been admired around the world for generating both wealth and social equality. Some observers even speak about a 'Swedish model'. Thus, it seems interesting to study how this system has been created, how it has evolved throughout the 20th century, and what backgrounds have permitted its broad expansion. First, we will see that the idea of a welfare state in Sweden came on the agenda in the early 1920s, and a reform process started to implement it during the 1930s. This was permitted by a favorable background, notably the strong standing of the Social Democratic Party and the Trade Unions. However, in the second part, we will see that the most dynamic period regarding the construction of the welfare state started after World War II, since the scope of the reforms was enlarged and radical programs were implemented. This extending system revealed its first flaws and started to be questioned during the second half of the 1970s.
