Norwegian Society and the Laws of Jante

Nordic society seems to be governed by a set of unspoken rules on how to behave around others. These rules or "laws" were first articulated by the Danish author, Aksel Sandemose in a novel that described life in a fictional town called Jante, ruled by a set of ten laws. The laws dictated that no one was to be boastful, to think they are more special than anyone else, not to imagine themselves as better than anyone else. They were known as Janteloven, or the Laws of Jante.

Sound familiar? Have any relatives that strictly mind their own business, don't gossip, and don't bother anyone else while passing on the street? If Nordic people all behave this way (and they don't), how does that affect society innovation and initiative, especially in business?

One person who has thought about Nordic society is Fiona McKinna, an immigrant from England who produces the podcast and blog, Living a Nordic Life. Join us as we talk about the ramifications of Janteloven, delve into Nordic sociology, and about the way people behave in Nordic countries today. Special thanks to her for sharing her perspectives.

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