Summer: Rutgers- How Sweden Works: Equality, Solidarity, Happiness
The Program
The primary learning objective of “How Sweden Works” is for students to acquire first-hand knowledge of the primary institutions of Swedish social democracy.
The visit to Sweden will be co-hosted by Rutgers SMLR, the Swedish Workers Education Association (ABF), and the National Swedish Labor Organization (LO). Students will meet with the leaders of these organizations, and with leaders and staff of their associated institutions, including members of the Swedish parliament, housing cooperatives, worker training facilities, gender equity programs, folk schools, small businesses and entrepreneurs. The course will include morning seminar sessions at the LO or the ABF to discuss assigned readings and issues that arise from prospective or completed field trips; and afternoon meetings with cooperating Swedish organizations and leaders. Sweden has one of the highest unionization rates in the world; one of the most generous paid parental leave programs; one of the largest refugee relief operations; one of the lowest rates of unemployment and homelessness; one of the leading centers for research on environmental sustainability and resilience; and some of the world’s leading global corporations. Students will learn the history and secrets of the Swedish success and explore with in-country activists and policymakers the principal threats to its continuing achievement.
Watch the video below with former professor, Dr. Michael Merrill. 2025 professor will be Dr. Susan Schurman.
Program Location
Sweden
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and Scandinavia and the most populous urban area among the Nordic countries. This historic area has been settled since the 6000 BC and was founded in 1252. The city of Stockholm is the cultural, media, political, and economic center of Sweden and accounts for 1/3 of the country's GDP. Stockholm is a leader in many aspects, such as innovation (it's the home of the Nobel Peace Prize, and even became the first European Green Capital in 2010. Located on lake islands feeding into the Baltic sea, this coastal city has warm summers and mild winters compared to other locations at similar arctic latitudes. One of the most interesting aspects about Stockholm is that it is an archipelago, with 14 islands and over 5 bridges, so boating around the beautiful islands is definitely recommended! While exploring Stockholm you will find medieval street layouts, castles, the Royal Swedish Opera, as well as all of the modern amenities. Whether you are enjoying AIK football, the many art galleries, parks, rooftop bars and restaurants, weekend markets, museums,or the Royal Dramatic Theater there is a little something for everyone in this popular tourist destination.
Academics
"How Sweden Works' is listed in the undergraduate labor studies degree program as 37:575:491:86 and in the master's program in labor studies and employment relations as 38:578:613:86 and counts toward graduation and degree requirements in both. It meets a global requirement in the master's program but is not at this point cross-listed with any other school or department.
The primary learning objective of “How Sweden Works” is for students to acquire first-hand knowledge of the primary institutions of Swedish social democracy. The visit to Sweden will be co-hosted by Rutgers SMLR, the Swedish Workers Education Association (ABF), and the national Swedish Labor Organization (LO). Students will meet with the leaders of these organizations, and with leaders and staff of their associated institutions, including members of the Swedish parliament, housing cooperatives, worker training facilities, gender equity programs, folk schools, small businesses and entrepreneurs. The course will include morning seminar sessions at the LO or the ABF to discuss assigned readings and issues that arise from prospective or completed field trips; and afternoon meetings with cooperating Swedish organizations and leaders. Sweden has one of the highest unionization rates in the world; one of the most generous paid parental leave programs; one of the largest refugee relief operations; one of the lowest rates of unemployment and homelessness; one of the leading centers for research on environmental sustainability and resilience; and some of the world’s leading global corporations. Students will learn the history and secrets of the Swedish success and explore with in-country activists and policymakers the principal threats to its continuing achievement.
The course will meet for an introductory session at the Rutgers Labor Education Center in New Brunswick on June 2nd. Students must arrive in Stockholm before June 7th for field excursions and meetings with a concluding session from in New Brunswick on June 23 (tentative date).
Housing and Meals
Students will be housed in an apartment in Stockholm with access to a kitchen. Breakfast is provided by the program.