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What Sweden thinks about markets, capitalism and the rich

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  • Anders Ydstedt
  • Rainer Zitelmann

Abstract

Attitudes towards the rich are far more positive in Sweden than in France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Attitudes towards the market economy are also more positive in Sweden than in all other European countries, except Poland. Although Sweden is perceived by some as a model of ‘democratic socialism’, it has been 50 years since that this was – almost – the case. Today, Sweden is one of the ten most economically free countries in the world, although income tax is still above average. Corporate taxes are moderate, however, and inheritance, gift, and wealth taxes have been abolished. This article presents the findings of two surveys conducted by Ipsos MORI in Sweden. The first survey focused on perceptions of the rich, the second explored attitudes towards the market economy and capitalism.

Suggested Citation

  • Anders Ydstedt & Rainer Zitelmann, 2025. "What Sweden thinks about markets, capitalism and the rich," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(1), pages 27-44, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecaffa:v:45:y:2025:i:1:p:27-44
    DOI: 10.1111/ecaf.12684
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rainer Zitelmann, 2023. "Attitudes towards capitalism in 34 countries on five continents," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(3), pages 353-371, October.
    2. Rainer Zitelmann, 2024. "Popular perceptions of the rich in 13 countries," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(2), pages 363-373, June.
    3. Ulf Jakobsson & Magnus Henrekson, 2001. "Where Schumpeter was nearly right - the Swedish model and Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 11(3), pages 331-358.
    4. Rainer Zitelmann, 2021. "Attitudes to wealth in seven countries: The Social Envy Coefficient and the Rich Sentiment Index," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(2), pages 211-224, June.
    5. Rainer Zitelmann, 2020. "Upward classism: Prejudice and stereotyping against the wealthy," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 162-179, June.
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