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Introduction: The Rise and Puzzling Fall of the Swedish Educational System

In: Dumbing Down

Author

Listed:
  • Magnus Henrekson

    (Research Institute of Industrial Economics)

  • Johan Wennström

    (Research Institute of Industrial Economics)

Abstract

Foreign observers of Sweden have attributed the country’s socially inclusive economic growth, which was sustained during nearly one hundred years, to the expansion of the Social Democratic welfare state. However, this analysis overlooks the fundamental causes of Sweden’s economic takeoff. The crucial feature that Sweden exhibited was its uniquely large and evenly distributed stock of human capital. A widespread appreciation for learning and the development of education from the 1600s onwards were the key drivers of the strong development. Against this background, the decline of the Swedish educational system should be cause for serious concern about the country’s future. The chapter provides a summary of the problems regarding schooling in Sweden and presents our view of their causes. The origin of Sweden’s academic decline is mainly attributable to a phenomenon that we refer to as “post-truth” schooling—education based on a postmodern social constructivist view of knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Magnus Henrekson & Johan Wennström, 2022. "Introduction: The Rise and Puzzling Fall of the Swedish Educational System," Springer Books, in: Dumbing Down, chapter 1, pages 1-9, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-030-93429-3_1
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93429-3_1
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