You talk about 'social restrictions', 'a critique of capitalism' and 'a socialist model'. In fact it is just a democratically elected government passing laws that they think benefit society - just as we have done in this country over the years. It is not socialism at all. Sweden would quickly go down the pan if all means of production, distribution and exchange were in the hands of the state.

This is how I see socialism as a working model within a capitalist world, as a means of social provision. I don't really abide by the idea of communism at all, which promotes tyranny, but the idea of the will of the people and the state serving the best interest of society.

In terms of socialism, I regard the vanguard approach of Marxist-Lenninism and Moaists as being a 'failed experiement' as it forces socialism by force of arms and tyranny, but proscribe to the approach of Marx where in Socialism must grow out of the failures of capitalism by the will of the people as a social change (similar to how capitalism grew out of the industrial revolution and the demise of agrarianism, which replaced feudalism).

Sweden also requires very strict laws on the economic stability of companies, that would be considered Marxist by any other standards, that are specifically devised towards ensuring a company security for the benefit of employees and the state, rather than the directors.

so for me, Sweden represents the way forwards, capitalism coupled to a social or socialist priority. I believe in the freedom of the individual (being more of an anarchist than a commie), and democracy that represents each and every single person. These I feel are vital to prevent tyranny of the majority (which communism, represents).

As for the UK passing laws for the benefit of society, that I disagree with, for most of my life I would say we pass laws based on maintaining the support of the parties voters, and primiarly the interests of corporations.

The most content, best run countries in the world are mostly borderline Socialist with a bit of healthy capitalism thrown in: Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Canada, Holland, Norway. The usual suspects.

S'funny how that lot aren't repulsed by aspects of leftism and yet are pretty successful at 'society'. If only they would listen to the deep thinking, rational, anti-left ranters on here the could do it so much better. As good as the UK and USA even.

Edited by Kermit8 (05 Nov 2015 2.05pm)

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Irrelevant unless they are embarking on some radical political change to move away from socialist influences within their societies.

As you can see the only one on the left, at all, was the one voted for the longest ago. The rest have shifted to the right, or reelected them.

And none of them are borderline socialist in the first place, you've just decided that they are to suit your argument.