Sport and civil society in the Nordic region

Abstract

This paper examines the key elements within the relationships of sport and civil society in Scandinavia. The analysis combines themes and developments in Nordic sport and civil society, such as the role of the welfare state and the impacts of neoliberalism, with consideration of specific national experiences, especially in Finland. The discussion has four main parts. First, we set out the principal features of the ‘Nordic model’ of society, and how it shapes sport and civil society relations. Second, we advance a Finnish case study, examining the historical connections of three sectors to the national sport culture. Third, we consider how, in recent decades, the Nordic model has encountered and sought to respond to neoliberalism and globalization processes. Finally, we explore how Nordic societies have sought to influence globalization processes and ‘global civil society’ through sport, specifically through taking lead roles within the transnational ‘sport for development and peace’ sector.

Notes

1. Ministry of Culture and Education, Finland (2015).

2. Pori is a small municipality on the west coast of Finland.

3. On the neoliberal economic model, see Harvey (2005).

4. Perhaps the strongest illustration of social democratic policies is provided by the Norwegian national sovereign wealth fund, derived from state-controlled oil and gas profits, which was valued at around US$900 billion in late 2016 and which is still firmly under state control.

5. See http://www.playthegame.org/.

6. See http://www.playthegame.org/about/.