It is a modern system, but not a particularly new one. The first welfare or social security services such as health and accident insurance were introduced in Norway towards the end of the nineteenth century. Since then, the Norwegian welfare system has expanded both in terms of services offered and in terms of number of beneficiaries.
The interesting questions are: what enabled Norway to develop such a system of high quality welfare services for all, and how are we able to maintain it?
The first answer that comes to mind is that Norway is a wealthy country with abundant natural resources (oil and gas). The fact is that many of our social justice reforms were introduced at a time when GDP was low (as was also the case with our Nordic neighbours). In short, the answer is decades of strong emphasis on the development of the welfare system and political will. Political will to make social justice, human rights and equal opportunity for all members of society a prime political objective. This political will and long-term focus on the development of the welfare system mean that health care is free, education is free, and there is a social support system. For parents of small children it means that it is possible to have a healthy balance between work and family life.
There is a long tradition of mutual trust between the authorities and the people in Norway. Trust has been a key factor in the development of the welfare state. This has opened up for a high degree of flexibility and will to adjustment and reform.
In modern-day Norway, the tripartite cooperation between labour unions, employers’ organisations and the state has been vital. Through this tradition of dialogue and cooperation, Norway has achieved a healthy social climate characterised by equality, security and flexibility.