ABSTRACT
This introduction provides an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the concept of Nordic perspectives of family and children. In addition to families, institutions are spaces where social mobility, change and lifelong learning take place. Understanding children and family is of crucial importance for a wide scope of professionals within education, social work, care and health. The book addresses the concept of the 'Nordic model' to get to the Nordic perspectives on family and children. The book considers children as participants in families and society, and a premise is the fact that a body of scientific evidence shows that economic growth and conditions are not only mechanisms that ensure and provide a good life for children. It shares the Nordic perspective from each of the five countries in the Nordic region: Island, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
