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Institutionalised power or crisis corporatism? Comparing Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Jakob Strigén

    (Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI), Stockholm University, Sweden)

  • Rense Nieuwenhuis

    (Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI), Stockholm University, Sweden)

  • Minna van Gerven

    (University of Helsinki, Finland)

  • Zamzam Elmi

    (University of Helsinki, Finland)

  • Aino Salmi

    (University of Helsinki, Finland)

Abstract

The social partners often attain a more central role in decision-making during social or economic crises. This article examines whether this held true in Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are countries with strong institutionalised power relations. It assesses whether the crisis affected institutional stability and social partner representation, referred to as crisis corporatism. Drawing on 30 interviews with representatives of social partner organisations and government agencies, as well as labour market experts, we demonstrate strong institutional stability and path dependence in industrial relations during the crisis. While Sweden’s institutionalised power relations remained stable, Finland and the Netherlands experienced temporary shifts, with governments bypassing the social partners on health-related issues. The health-care sector and precarious workers emerged as especially vulnerable.

Suggested Citation

  • Jakob Strigén & Rense Nieuwenhuis & Minna van Gerven & Zamzam Elmi & Aino Salmi, 2025. "Institutionalised power or crisis corporatism? Comparing Finland, Sweden and the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 31(3), pages 331-346, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:31:y:2025:i:3:p:331-346
    DOI: 10.1177/10242589251356590
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Garima Singh & Rense Nieuwenhuis & Minna van Gerven, 2025. "Tripartite alliances for vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic? Evidence from the Eurofound PolicyWatch database," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 31(3), pages 293-311, August.
    2. Minna van Gerven & Marta Kahancová & Anil Duman & Rense Nieuwenhuis, 2025. "From crisis corporatism to reshaping European labour markets in defence of vulnerable workers," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 31(3), pages 381-388, August.

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