Psychosocial approaches to neoliberal policies, welfare institutions and practices in the Nordic welfare states

What is it about?

In the spirit of the neoliberal market, welfare institutions and services have been transformed into production and commercial units, selling and buying services. Currently, market rationality of welfare policies and services has become dominant in welfare planning, politically designed and operationalized through the rationality of economic cost effectiveness and standardized production. However, a more rounded understanding of the complex human agencies involved must form the basis for developing a critical analysis of neoliberal practices. Thus, we are interested in exploring how subjectivity, intersubjectivity and collectivity are present in welfare settings in relation to neoliberal norms, values and frameworks.

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Why is it important?

This editorial presents an unique and interesting analysis on how neoliberal practices in Nordic welfare services influence and form these. But simoultanously we address and unfold how the Nordic/Danish case presents a case of humanizing welfare services aiming for democratic and engaging welfare interactions and collaborations.