Journal of Co-operative Studies 33(1), 39-52

Abstract

The provision of welfare services in co-operative form varies considerably between the Nordic welfare states of Sweden and Finland.  The  ability  of the co-operatives  to  be competitive alternatives to public agencies is restricted without public financing in both countries. The relatively high numbers of co-operatives in Sweden and low numbers in Finland may be explained by the different policies of municipalities. Swedish municipalities finance co-operatives to a larger extent than Finnish municipalities. Views of political parties, which affect policies of municipalities, are generally positive towards the co-operative alternative in welfare provisions in both countries. Despite this, at least in Sweden, the leftist majority of municipalities has restricted the development of the co-operatives providing welfare services.