ABSTRACT
The Nordic countries have developed among the most equal modern societies, both in terms of income1 and gender.2 Sweden has even effectively changed its language to be more egalitarian with its “Du-reformen,” attenuating the use of titles and formal versus informal pronouns, and with its invention of a genderneutral, third-person, singular pronoun: “hen.” They are also the societies that regularly survey as having the highest subjective well-being,3 perhaps best illustrated by their Zen-like habit of taking it slow, enjoying nature and relaxing in their midforest cabins. Is there a connection between their equality and well-being? If so, how does it work? The current chapter will investigate the relationship between societal-level equality and well-being and some mechanisms that underlie it.
