Equality, inclusion and marketization of Nordic education: Introductory notes

The concept of a Nordic model of education is sometimes used to refer to the considerable similarities of education reforms and systems of the five Nordic countries (i.e. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) during the second half of the 20th century – reforms that aimed at social justice, equality and cohesion not least by providing schooling of high and equal quality, regardless of children’s and young people’s resources, origin and location. This article discusses to what extent one may still speak of such a ‘Nordic model of education’, considering the impact of neoliberal policies in all of the five countries. It is concluded that even if the education systems still display a number of common, inclusive traits, extensive marketization and privatization practices in Nordic countries, and particularly of Swedish education, raise serious doubts about the survival of the alleged Nordic model.