Modern-Day Vikings

by Christina Johansson Robinowitz

• ISBN13: 9780585434414
• ISBN10: 0585434417
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2011-01-11
• Publisher: B&N Hachette

Summary

Modern-Day Vikings is a window into contemporary Sweden. True to its title, the book traces many of Sweden's cultural traits back to its Viking heritage: self-sufficiency, fairness, egalitarianism, and democracy. But this just scratches the surface; the authors also examine the famous "cradle-to-grave" social democracy and the social and economic challenges brought on by immigration and other twenty-first century changes. Robinowitz and Carr explore the values underlying modern Swedish culture, such as lagom (moderation), the law of Jante (personal modesty), communication styles, and business practices. A most enjoyable chapter is "The Seasons and their Power," where readers get a glimpse of the "complete Swede" as characterized by the four seasons especially the Summer Swede.