A double farewell to a former model? Danish unions and activation policy

Abstract

Developments starting with activation reforms in the 1990s and speeded up during the last 10 years form part of a double farewell to the Danish welfare model. The benefits system has been reformed with the introduction of stricter eligibility criteria, sanctions, shorter benefit periods, and strong work-first elements. The second part of the double farewell is present in recent changes in Danish corporatism. Traditionally, the inclusion of unions in the political process was a key element of the Danish model, but union influence has declined, to the extent that unions are currently better defined as lobbyists rather than as part of a corporatist system. This article outlines recent changes in the Danish model and concludes with a brief prognosis for its future.