ABSTRACT
In the Nordic countries, comprehensive universal education and A School for All are considered key vehicles for forging a fair and equal society supporting democracy, participation, welfare and life-long learning. This chapter discusses how merging new models of individualism and the encroachment of the ethos of competition in both private and state schools may pose a challenge to education as a foundation for a cooperative and fair society in the Nordic countries. Two main questions are addressed, each of which has various implications: (1) To what extent can we talk about shared educational values among the Nordic countries? (2) To what extent does the Nordic model of education balance stability and renewal, individualism and collectivism?
