ABSTRACT

This chapter outlines the Finnish welfare state and analyses how neoliberal changes in economy and society have transformed it during the years following the millennium. Emphasis is placed on the themes of participation and active citizenship, which are contemporary political keywords used to capture the essence of neoliberal welfare state transformation both internationally and in Finland. Following Hakan Johansson and Bjorn Hvinden, political discussion about active citizenship and participation is seen as taking place in a framework where the dimensions are: the values and ideologies of liberal citizenship and the principles of citizenship. The historical backdrop of the welfare state in Finland is the relatively late but rapid industrialisation of the country. Welfare state building in Finland shares many similarities with that in the other Nordic countries but also includes numerous important differences. The overall picture of the participatory policies in Finland is gloomy. Despite some positive initiatives, participatory policies are driving the Finnish welfare state in a neoliberal direction.