Reduced social benefits coincide with more mental illness
Why do we feel so bad when we feel so good? The social contribution has fallen behind in value since 1985. Economic decisions have had a profound impact on both social and psychological problems in society. In 1985 got according to Bergmark, Å. , "Dynamics of receiving social benefits - duration and exits from receiving social benefits in the 2000st century" (2016) a single person with two children SEK 4270 a month in social benefits. In 2014, this had increased to SEK 8220. However, this figure corresponds to only SEK 4029 in 1985 monetary value. If the grant had followed the development of disposable income, it would have been SEK 15150 in 2014. The grant has thus lost around 65% of its value. The financial stress must be great for the recipients.
Low inflation prioritized over employment and purchasing power
Governments in recent decades have prioritized low inflation over low unemployment and well-paid jobs. In today's labor market, low-wage jobs and precarious employment are increasingly common. At the same time have productivity growth has slowed, despite these austerities and deteriorations in social security and working conditions.
In unequal societies, everyone functions worse
Societies with greater economic inequality do not just create deep gaps between rich and poor, according to the book The spirit of equality by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett. Inequality affects all social groups negatively, regardless of where they are in the hierarchy. More unequal societies tend to have higher levels of mental illness. There will be more widespread social unrest, higher crime, higher obesity and shorter lifespans. Wider economic gaps lead to more stress, increased competition and a sense of insecurity and lack of social cohesion.
In more egalitarian societies, the welfare system is usually stronger. There is greater trust between citizens. Levels of mental illness and social problems are significantly lower. Therefore, it is perhaps not so strange that we feel worse as many of us are not feeling so well anymore.
The wage squeeze has resulted in more insecure jobs
The government's has long attacked workers' rights with reduced unemployment benefits and tougher demands on the unemployed. In October 2025, the unemployment fund will long-term unemployed are reduced to a record low of 5600 after tax per month. , hNot only are wages being squeezed, but we have also created an environment where people feel increasingly insecure. The so-called "ironclad wage laws” – the idea that reduced social security and benefits push people into lower wages has created a low wage sector. But we have not had full employment, but rather increased work-related stress and worse working environments. More people feel bad both mentally and physically.
Productivity growth was halved
Ironically, while these measures have increased social and mental ill health, productivity growth has not improved, but rather halved from an already low level. It shows that policies that undermine workers' conditions and economic security not only harm individuals, but also society's long-term economic health.
Yes Oskar, you are noticing how welfare has been decimated since the 70s. 👍👍👍
Time has also produced a liberalism that has focused on the individual's own well-being and has inhibited political awareness.