Does socialism REALLY work in Denmark? (or, anywhere, frankly)?

Question

I hear Denmark used as both a failure and success in the argument for/against Socialism. What is the truth?

Answer 1

The Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, are social-democratic, not socialist per se. But if you compare to f.ex. the USA they are certainly more "socialist". Meaning that people pay higher taxes - contributing more to the collective, and get more benefits, which is at the same time an equalizing factor, the difference between rich and poor is relatively smaller in these countries.
And no, though many people do receive welfare, there are not more people receiving welfare of any kind than there are people contributing to it. Libraries, medical care (g.p.'s and hospitalization both), education (including university) etc, etc are free because people pay for it via the taxes.
And though I know many are opposed to the degree of socialism that the Nordic countries have incorporated, the fact is that all of these countries are among the most successful countries in the world - whichever way success is measured, be it in wealth, general living standard, freedom, democracy, education, competitiveness, business climate, health, pollution control, happiness....basically you name it.
Whether one then will attribute that to their political systems or wants to attempt another explanation I suppose will be up to people's own convictions, but it is impossible to say with any credibility that a social-democratic political system cannot be successful.

Answer 2

I am currently living in Belgium "The heart of Europe" and I can tell you it has good and bad points, and that people use those good or bad points to portray thier opinion or political slant. For instance there are Unions here as strong as the old "communist party" where the workers don't get fired, regardless of how little they produce and in some cases act criminally - bad for the company. However, from a workers point of view the company can't just fire you because they want to cut costs. So now what does the company do? Hire a new, more productive employee? No. They wait for the ineffective one to leave or retire. That stiffles a "free market" and the company doesn't grow - bad for the country. Free health care is not free - there are so many taxes over here its incredible and the wait for a doctor or procedure is incredible. Hospitals often hire foreign doctors who work for less because they want the experience before moving to another country that pays more (I know I had to go see one). As you can tell I can argue either side of your question so the bottom line is do you want a nanny state or not? If not, then NO socialism doesn't work. Free market forces work every time they are tried. You have provoked thought, Great question!

Answer 3

They have a pretty high standard of living, low crime, nice houses, clean streets and a great club scene in Copenhagen. Healthcare is available to everyone with or without insurance. Denmark is not as socialist as Sweden, I don't think. I lived in Sweden for a year and everything seemed to be controlled by the government. It's not like that in Denmark.

Sorry, this was not a very expert or helpful opinion. More of an impression. I'm sure others can fill you in better.

Answer 4

Denmark is NOT a socialist nation. There are no socialist nations today, and there never have been.

\There have been some communist nations, of which most have collapsed.

Denmark has a very extensive social welfare system which many ignorant people label as socialism. It is not. Using taxpayer dollars to improve the quality of life is what most governments do to varying degrees. The US built the Interstate Highway System, and states fund state colleges and universities.

But as soon as govt start helping out poor people (who most assume are black or brown) Repubs start the socialism thing.

It's BS.

Denmark has a higer quality of living any way you want to score it. It is incredibly successful. And they make good cheese.

Answer 5

Socialism is a bad idea altogether if you value "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". If you don't care about being a slave, then Socialism is great.

Socialism "works" in that it redistributes wealth among a population. However, if your goal is to have a country of free, happy, productive citizens, then no form of Socialism can work.

I know this is simplistic, but Socialism basically comes down to this: punish the successful, and reward failure. Should we help our fellow man that is less fortunate? Absolutely. Should it be forced upon us at the cost of our freedom? That is the question between capitalism and socialism.

If you work hard for somebody elses gain with no choice in the matter, isn't that the very definition of slavery? That is Socialism: slavery. If you work hard to make a better life for your family, your rewards will be stolen from you and given to someone else that has failed. If that is the kind of morally bankrupt society you wish to live in, then Denmark and other Socialist countries are a great success.

Answer 6

Interesting question.

In truth, though - socialism has a fairly broad and vague definition including everything from communism to democratic socialism. Certainly nations like Sweden and Norway - both considered to be socialist democracies have manged to retain powerful both powerful economies and strong degrees of social welfare..

Lots of the industrialized nations practice some form of socialism.

The real question is, if socialism is so inherently doomed to failure - why is the United Statesw so afraid/opposed to it..? Why not let it fail on its own merits?

Look at Cuba who despite four decade fo US embargos - has managed to retain a relatively (for its region) high level of welfare, health and education.

Answer 7

Socialism works right here in the USA.

Food stamps
medical disability
medicare
federally guaranteed student loans
Section 8 rent assistance
Social security

No country can claim to be pure socialist but many countries are a mixture.

That mixure has proven to be effective in the US and many other countries.

Socialist ideas help to create something we all like: Civilized Society.

Answer 8

Well, healthcare and education and a high safety net for the unemployed are all benchmarks. Problem is, more ppl are GETTING benefits than are paying INTO them. So the socialists truck in muzzies from turkey and the ME who tear up the place. And the socialists try to downplay and keep it out of the paper cuz they know its their fault.

Answer 9

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