Scandinavian exceptionalism in anti-doping within sport: rooted in ideologies of social welfare and paternalism?

Abstract

Why are Scandinavian countries so committed to the cause of anti-doping? In this paper, we propose that the Scandinavian mentality, formed by paternalistic welfare models, is a useful framework for understanding anti-doping. We focus on anti-doping policy and work in Norway and Denmark. We start with one high-profile doping case from each country; how it came about; and how it was resolved. Then follows a short description of how anti-doping is organized in Norway and Denmark and how their goals and means are outlined. Two particularities of relevance for the discussion are then presented: the Norwegian self-image and its impact on politics, and Danish amateurism and corrupt idealism. We conclude that Nordic anti-doping is pursued with rigour and determination, and suggest this is rooted in the Nordic countries’ exceptional social-welfare ideology and strong paternalism.