Social Sustainability
#1Key Findings
Norway is the SGI 2024’s top performer (rank 1) in the category of social sustainability.
Education is tax-financed and free at all levels. There is a social gradient in school results, with children from well-educated, upper-middle-class families achieving the highest grades and having access to popular tertiary programs. Nearly all children between 1 and 4 attend preschool, with a small copayment per month for parents.
There is no minimum wage. However, high employment levels and income insurance ensures that no population segments fall outside the generous safety net. Universal health insurance covers the entire population, with high-quality services. The pension system ensures a minimum income for all, preventing elderly poverty.
Gender equality is a strong focus, with economic benefits and tax incentives to sustain one-earner households having been abandoned. Girls on average do better in school, and women are coming to dominate high-prestige professions. Integration policy in Norway is relatively well-organized and well-funded.
Education is tax-financed and free at all levels. There is a social gradient in school results, with children from well-educated, upper-middle-class families achieving the highest grades and having access to popular tertiary programs. Nearly all children between 1 and 4 attend preschool, with a small copayment per month for parents.
There is no minimum wage. However, high employment levels and income insurance ensures that no population segments fall outside the generous safety net. Universal health insurance covers the entire population, with high-quality services. The pension system ensures a minimum income for all, preventing elderly poverty.
Gender equality is a strong focus, with economic benefits and tax incentives to sustain one-earner households having been abandoned. Girls on average do better in school, and women are coming to dominate high-prestige professions. Integration policy in Norway is relatively well-organized and well-funded.
Graph View
Graph View
To what extent do policies and regulations in the education system hinder or facilitate high-quality education and training?
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Education policies are fully aligned with the goal of ensuring high-quality education and training.
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Education policies are largely aligned with the goal of ensuring high-quality education and training.
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Education policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of ensuring high-quality education and training.
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Education policies are not at all aligned with the goal of ensuring high-quality education and training.
Education at all levels, up to Ph.D. studies at universities, is tax-financed and free in Norway. A state program of student loans and scholarships has existed since 1948. Combined with a generous, decentralized supply of educational institutions, this makes the Norwegian population among the most well-educated in the world. “Education for all” is a cornerstone of the Norwegian welfare state and an economic necessity for a small population to thrive in an advanced industrial society. Private schools and universities exist but are legally and financially integrated into the national system.
The needs for new and upgraded skills in the economy are regularly monitored, and there are strong incentives for colleges and universities to adapt to the skills required in the private sector and public services. Individual rights to education are limited to the 13-year-long basic education and a subsequent guarantee of work-related activity or adapted further training. While there are no legal rights to lifelong learning, most large enterprises have programs for continuously upgrading their workforce’s skills.
The quality of higher education institutions has been regularly monitored by the independent Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) since 2003. The latest White Paper on the education system, the “Utsynsmeldingen” from 2023, sets out four targets: ensuring competences for a productive and competitive economy, supporting the green transition, maintaining good welfare services throughout the country, and reducing exclusion from the workforce. These targets align comfortably with traditional national goals for the educational sector in Norway.
Citations:
NOKUT. n.d. “About NOKUT.” https://www.nokut.no/en/about-nokut/
Ministry of Education and Research. n.d. “The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.” https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/kd/organisation/kunnskapsdepartementets-etater-og-virksomheter/Subordinate-agencies-2/the-norwegian-state-educational-loan-fun/id426562/
Direktoratet for høyere utdanning og kompetanse. 2024. “Kompetansereformutvalget.” https://hkdir.no/kompetanse-i-arbeidslivet/kompetansepolitikk/kompetansereformutvalget
Ministry of Education and Research. 2023. “Outlook on the Skills Needs in Norway. White Paper No. 14 (2022-2023).” https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/meld.-st.-14-20222023/id2967608/
The needs for new and upgraded skills in the economy are regularly monitored, and there are strong incentives for colleges and universities to adapt to the skills required in the private sector and public services. Individual rights to education are limited to the 13-year-long basic education and a subsequent guarantee of work-related activity or adapted further training. While there are no legal rights to lifelong learning, most large enterprises have programs for continuously upgrading their workforce’s skills.
The quality of higher education institutions has been regularly monitored by the independent Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) since 2003. The latest White Paper on the education system, the “Utsynsmeldingen” from 2023, sets out four targets: ensuring competences for a productive and competitive economy, supporting the green transition, maintaining good welfare services throughout the country, and reducing exclusion from the workforce. These targets align comfortably with traditional national goals for the educational sector in Norway.
Citations:
NOKUT. n.d. “About NOKUT.” https://www.nokut.no/en/about-nokut/
Ministry of Education and Research. n.d. “The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund.” https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/kd/organisation/kunnskapsdepartementets-etater-og-virksomheter/Subordinate-agencies-2/the-norwegian-state-educational-loan-fun/id426562/
Direktoratet for høyere utdanning og kompetanse. 2024. “Kompetansereformutvalget.” https://hkdir.no/kompetanse-i-arbeidslivet/kompetansepolitikk/kompetansereformutvalget
Ministry of Education and Research. 2023. “Outlook on the Skills Needs in Norway. White Paper No. 14 (2022-2023).” https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/meld.-st.-14-20222023/id2967608/
To what extent does the current policy approach in the education system hinder or facilitate equitable access to high-quality education and training?
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Education policies are fully aligned with the goal of ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and training.
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Education policies are largely aligned with the goal of ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and training.
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Education policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and training.
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1
Education policies are not at all aligned with the goal of ensuring equitable access to high-quality education and training.
There is a significant social gradient in school results: Children, especially girls from well-educated upper-middle-class families, achieve the highest grades and thus have privileged access to the most popular higher education programs. This reproduction of social and economic inequalities is viewed by all political parties as a breach of the objective of equal right to education for all.
The first element in the education chain is preschool, for children aged 1 to 4. Since 2003, all children have had the right to attend preschool, and 95% of all children do so. Parents pay a co-payment, determined at the national level, which is currently NOK 2000 per month per child. Low-income families and parents in peripheral geographical areas pay less. There are regulatory requirements for the ratio of children to qualified teachers.
Primary school (for children aged 6 to 16) and secondary school (for three years, typically for children aged 16 to 19) are free and wholly funded through public budgets. Completion rates for secondary school are significantly lower than 100%, approximately 75% to 80%. Considerable resources have been deployed to increase completion rates, with limited success.
State universities are free, and 40% of women and 30% of men have attained a university-level education. At all levels, private alternatives exist. These are heavily regulated, tax-financed, and not allowed to generate profits for the owners.
Citations:
Statistics Norway. 2023a. “Gjennomføring i videregående opplæring.” https://www.ssb.no/utdanning/videregaende-utdanning/statistikk/gjennomforing-i-videregaende-opplaering
Statistics Norway. 2023b. “Karakterer og nasjonale prøver i grunnskolen.” https://www.ssb.no/utdanning/grunnskoler/statistikk/karakterer-ved-avsluttet-grunnskole
Utdanningsdirektoratet. 2024. “Foreldrebetaling for barnehageplass og moderasjonsordninger.” https://www.udir.no/regelverk-og-tilsyn/barnehage/foreldrebetaling/
The first element in the education chain is preschool, for children aged 1 to 4. Since 2003, all children have had the right to attend preschool, and 95% of all children do so. Parents pay a co-payment, determined at the national level, which is currently NOK 2000 per month per child. Low-income families and parents in peripheral geographical areas pay less. There are regulatory requirements for the ratio of children to qualified teachers.
Primary school (for children aged 6 to 16) and secondary school (for three years, typically for children aged 16 to 19) are free and wholly funded through public budgets. Completion rates for secondary school are significantly lower than 100%, approximately 75% to 80%. Considerable resources have been deployed to increase completion rates, with limited success.
State universities are free, and 40% of women and 30% of men have attained a university-level education. At all levels, private alternatives exist. These are heavily regulated, tax-financed, and not allowed to generate profits for the owners.
Citations:
Statistics Norway. 2023a. “Gjennomføring i videregående opplæring.” https://www.ssb.no/utdanning/videregaende-utdanning/statistikk/gjennomforing-i-videregaende-opplaering
Statistics Norway. 2023b. “Karakterer og nasjonale prøver i grunnskolen.” https://www.ssb.no/utdanning/grunnskoler/statistikk/karakterer-ved-avsluttet-grunnskole
Utdanningsdirektoratet. 2024. “Foreldrebetaling for barnehageplass og moderasjonsordninger.” https://www.udir.no/regelverk-og-tilsyn/barnehage/foreldrebetaling/
Graph View
To what extent do existing institutions ensure equal access to essential services and basic income support for those in need?
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Existing essential public services and basic income support are fully aligned with the goal of ensuring equal access for those in need.
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Existing essential public services and basic income support are largely aligned with the goal of ensuring equal access for those in need.
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Existing essential public services and basic income support are only somewhat aligned with the goal of ensuring equal access for those in need.
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Existing essential public services and basic income support are not at all aligned with the goal of ensuring equal access for those in need.
Norway does not have a legislated minimum wage. However, the combination of high employment levels and a universal system of income insurance for most social and economic risks ensures that no population segments systematically fall outside of a quite generous safety net. It is the obligation of the welfare state to provide decent housing for all and to ensure that all individuals have access to basic necessities. There is no official list of such necessities; rather, an informal norm operated by social services dictates that all individuals should be given a fair chance to participate in normal social and economic activities.
Citations:
Hansen, H.-T., and Skeide Horvei, M. 2023. “Sosial eksklusjon og opphopning av levekårsproblemer: Nye eller tradisjonelle risikofaktorer?” Tidsskrift for Samfunnsforskning 64 (3): 206–229. https://doi.org/10.18261/tfs.64.3.2
Citations:
Hansen, H.-T., and Skeide Horvei, M. 2023. “Sosial eksklusjon og opphopning av levekårsproblemer: Nye eller tradisjonelle risikofaktorer?” Tidsskrift for Samfunnsforskning 64 (3): 206–229. https://doi.org/10.18261/tfs.64.3.2
To what extent do existing institutions and policies ensure high-quality services and basic income support?
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Existing essential public services and basic income support are fully aligned with the goal of satisfying basic human needs.
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Existing essential public services and basic income support are largely aligned with the goal of satisfying basic human needs.
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Existing essential public services and basic income support are only somewhat aligned with the goal of satisfying basic human needs.
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Existing essential public services and basic income support are not at all aligned with the goal of satisfying basic human needs.
Norway has no official poverty line but operates with a definition of “problematic low income,” defined as an income of less than 60% of the median income over three consecutive years. Income below this level may imply that the affected individual or family will need additional income to access the services, activities, and commodities that most other people have. Individuals and families in the problematic low-income category usually have access to the needs-based social assistance program. Economic support to low-income households is not earmarked for any specific goods; however, a separate means-tested program exists to help poor families with housing costs.
Graph View
To what extent does current health policy hinder or facilitate health system resilience?
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Health policies are fully aligned with the goal of achieving a resilient health system.
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Health policies are largely aligned with the goal of achieving a resilient health system.
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Health policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of achieving a resilient health system.
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Health policies are not at all aligned with the goal of achieving a resilient health system.
Norway has universal health insurance covering the entire population for all health issues except dental care. The country is divided into four health regions, with hospitals organized as public enterprises financed by a combination of state grants, activity-related transfers, and patient co-payments. Primary care is the responsibility of the 357 local authorities. Ten percent of GDP is allocated to health services (2022 numbers). In general, the services are of high quality and accessible to everyone in need.
The aging population implies a need for better coordination of resources and responsibilities between local primary care services and specialized medical treatments in hospitals. Programs to implement new digital infrastructure for communication between different actors and administrative levels have been launched; however, they have failed to deliver expected results. Shortages of key personnel, particularly nurses and auxiliary staff, have fostered an interest in new technologies that may enable more efficient communication and allow patients to better manage their own health challenges. Innovation projects are ongoing, but so far, have not resulted in new general, cost-saving, and labor-saving practices.
The Ministry of Health has long aimed to implement a modernized national system for recording and sharing patient information across different units in the health and social care sectors. However, this project has yet to deliver on its promise. A separate directorate for digitized health was established in 2016 and closed in 2023. No national information management system is forthcoming, and the various regional health enterprises have begun developing their own systems.
Citations:
Helsedirektoratet. 2023. “Én innbygger – én journal.” https://www.ehelse.no/strategi/en-innbygger-en-journal
The aging population implies a need for better coordination of resources and responsibilities between local primary care services and specialized medical treatments in hospitals. Programs to implement new digital infrastructure for communication between different actors and administrative levels have been launched; however, they have failed to deliver expected results. Shortages of key personnel, particularly nurses and auxiliary staff, have fostered an interest in new technologies that may enable more efficient communication and allow patients to better manage their own health challenges. Innovation projects are ongoing, but so far, have not resulted in new general, cost-saving, and labor-saving practices.
The Ministry of Health has long aimed to implement a modernized national system for recording and sharing patient information across different units in the health and social care sectors. However, this project has yet to deliver on its promise. A separate directorate for digitized health was established in 2016 and closed in 2023. No national information management system is forthcoming, and the various regional health enterprises have begun developing their own systems.
Citations:
Helsedirektoratet. 2023. “Én innbygger – én journal.” https://www.ehelse.no/strategi/en-innbygger-en-journal
To what extent does current health policy hinder or facilitate achieving high-quality healthcare?
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Health policies are fully aligned with the goal of achieving high-quality healthcare.
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Health policies are largely aligned with the goal of achieving high-quality healthcare.
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Health policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of achieving high-quality healthcare.
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Health policies are not at all aligned with the goal of achieving high-quality healthcare.
Prospects of increasing demographic pressures on health services have intensified interest in preventive care and the relationships between behavior, lifestyles, and the demand for healthcare services. Local authorities are responsible for policy measures. No central government initiatives have been taken, except for a national program screening for some forms of cancer. In general, high-quality services are accessible throughout the country. Patients have the right to choose both their GP and hospital for treatment. Most people, however, choose to be treated at their nearby local hospital, even if this means waiting longer.
To what extent does current health policy hinder or facilitate equitable access to high-quality healthcare?
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Health policies are fully aligned with the goal of achieving equitable access to high-quality healthcare.
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Health policies are largely aligned with the goal of achieving equitable access to high-quality healthcare.
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Health policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of achieving equitable access to high-quality healthcare.
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Health policies are not at all aligned with the goal of achieving equitable access to high-quality healthcare.
Norway has universal health insurance, covering the entire population for all health issues except dental care. The country is divided into four health regions, with hospitals organized as public enterprises financed by a combination of state grants, activity-related transfers, and patient co-payments. Primary care is the responsibility of the 357 local authorities.
In 2022, 10% of GDP was allocated to health services. Generally, the services are of high quality and accessible to all in need throughout the country. Every citizen has their own GP. For 2024, the maximum patient co-payment is limited to NOK 3,165, which is so small that, in practice, no groups are excluded from the help they need.
There is a system of guarantees for treatment within a specified time limit for different conditions, but there are no formal sanctions if hospitals violate these norms. Social inequalities in health are significant and persistent. However, differences in social class lifestyles and behavior are more powerful explanations for these inequalities than differences in access to health services.
In 2022, 10% of GDP was allocated to health services. Generally, the services are of high quality and accessible to all in need throughout the country. Every citizen has their own GP. For 2024, the maximum patient co-payment is limited to NOK 3,165, which is so small that, in practice, no groups are excluded from the help they need.
There is a system of guarantees for treatment within a specified time limit for different conditions, but there are no formal sanctions if hospitals violate these norms. Social inequalities in health are significant and persistent. However, differences in social class lifestyles and behavior are more powerful explanations for these inequalities than differences in access to health services.
Graph View
How committed is the government to ensuring gender equality in all respects?
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The government is clearly committed to the goal of ensuring gender equality.
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The government is largely committed to the goal of ensuring gender equality.
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The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of ensuring gender equality.
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The government is not at all committed to the goal of ensuring gender equality.
Gender equality is pursued as a significant policy objective in all areas of public and private activity. There are no quantitative national policy goals, except for a legal requirement (effective 2023) stipulating that at least 40% of board members in all enterprises must be women. The first comprehensive law promoting gender equality was adopted in 1978 and was later revised and extended in 2016 to cover all forms of discrimination. A separate national institution, the Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud, oversees the implementation of the law and holds the legal authority to handle specific cases of discrimination.
The proportional representation of men and women in all societal arenas and activities is monitored through general statistical compilations and reports, although it is not the responsibility of any single national unit. While women are now quite well represented in politics and organizations, and increasingly so in business, the labor market and education system remain heavily gendered. Care work in the public sector – and the professional education leading to these occupations – is dominated by women, who typically occupy between 70% and 80% of both study places and jobs. Girls consistently achieve better grades in the school system, leading to high-prestige professions such as medicine, law, and psychology seeing the proportion of female workers increase to well over half. Universities regularly propose quotas for male students; however, there is currently no legal foundation for implementing such measures.
Citations:
Nærings – og fiskeridepartementet. 2023. “Historisk enighet om krav til kjønnsbalanse i norske styrer.” https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/historisk-enighet-om-krav-til-kjonnsbalanse-i-norske-styrer/id2985631/
The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud. https://www.ldo.no/en/ldo-english-page/
Barne – og likestillingsdepartementet. 1978. Likestillingsloven. https://lovdata.no/dokument/NLO/lov/1978-06-09-45
The proportional representation of men and women in all societal arenas and activities is monitored through general statistical compilations and reports, although it is not the responsibility of any single national unit. While women are now quite well represented in politics and organizations, and increasingly so in business, the labor market and education system remain heavily gendered. Care work in the public sector – and the professional education leading to these occupations – is dominated by women, who typically occupy between 70% and 80% of both study places and jobs. Girls consistently achieve better grades in the school system, leading to high-prestige professions such as medicine, law, and psychology seeing the proportion of female workers increase to well over half. Universities regularly propose quotas for male students; however, there is currently no legal foundation for implementing such measures.
Citations:
Nærings – og fiskeridepartementet. 2023. “Historisk enighet om krav til kjønnsbalanse i norske styrer.” https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/historisk-enighet-om-krav-til-kjonnsbalanse-i-norske-styrer/id2985631/
The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud. https://www.ldo.no/en/ldo-english-page/
Barne – og likestillingsdepartementet. 1978. Likestillingsloven. https://lovdata.no/dokument/NLO/lov/1978-06-09-45
Graph View
To what extent does the current family policy approach support or hinder unpaid family care work?
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Family policies are fully aligned with the goal of creating the conditions for strong families.
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Family policies are largely aligned with the goal of creating the conditions for strong families.
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Family policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of creating the conditions for strong families.
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Family policies are not at all aligned with the goal of creating family-friendly conditions.
Unpaid family care work is broadly associated with a traditional, subordinate role for women and stands in contrast to an official social and tax policy promoting female labor market participation. Economic benefits and tax incentives to sustain one-earner households have been abandoned and replaced with a generous system of child-related services and benefits for economically active parents. Full wage continuation is granted for 12 months of parental leave for a new child.
Ninety-five percent of children aged 1 – 5 attend preschool, and parents have a maximum of 20 days of paid leave in case of child sickness. If a child is chronically ill or disabled, more generous needs-tested schemes exist. Preschools are heavily subsidized, and there is a national maximum on parent co-payment.
Gender equality objectives are reflected in the exclusive right for fathers to take four months of the parental leave period, and the right to stay at home with a sick child is equally distributed among parents. There is a universal, flat-rate child allowance paid per child until the age of 18. Single parents receive an allowance for an extra child. Rights to leave paid work to care for elderly parents are less developed and exist only as a needs-tested scheme administered by local authorities.
Citations:
OECD. 2023. Exploring Norway’s Fertility, Work, and Family Policy Trends. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/f0c7bddf-en
Ninety-five percent of children aged 1 – 5 attend preschool, and parents have a maximum of 20 days of paid leave in case of child sickness. If a child is chronically ill or disabled, more generous needs-tested schemes exist. Preschools are heavily subsidized, and there is a national maximum on parent co-payment.
Gender equality objectives are reflected in the exclusive right for fathers to take four months of the parental leave period, and the right to stay at home with a sick child is equally distributed among parents. There is a universal, flat-rate child allowance paid per child until the age of 18. Single parents receive an allowance for an extra child. Rights to leave paid work to care for elderly parents are less developed and exist only as a needs-tested scheme administered by local authorities.
Citations:
OECD. 2023. Exploring Norway’s Fertility, Work, and Family Policy Trends. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/f0c7bddf-en
Graph View
To what extent does the current pension policy approach prevent poverty among senior citizens?
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Pension policies are fully aligned with the goal of preventing old-age poverty.
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Pension policies are largely aligned with the goal of preventing old-age poverty.
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Pension policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of preventing old-age poverty.
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Pension policies are not at all aligned with the goal of preventing old-age poverty.
Since 1956, Norway has provided a universal minimum pension to all individuals with little or no additional right to a work-related pension. In 2023 the level of the minimum pension for a one-person household was 60% of the median income of all those in full employment. This is largely sufficient to prevent poverty among many elderly.
However, minimum pensioners are constantly highlighted as a group with demanding financial living conditions, particularly for elderly individuals living alone. In general, if household expenditures on vital goods are extraordinarily high (e.g., heating in the winter, medicines), additional economic assistance can be received through a means-tested scheme.
Citations:
Wright, M.Y. 2022. “Gode pensjonsordninger gir lav fattigdom blant eldre i Norge.” Memu Mennesker og Muligheter. https://memu.no/artikler/gode-pensjonsordninger-gir-lav-fattigdom-blant-eldre-i-norge/
Hetland, A. 2023. Minstepensjonister i parforhold. Statistics Norway. https://www.ssb.no/sosiale-forhold-og-kriminalitet/trygd-og-stonad/artikler/minstepensjonister-i-parforhold
However, minimum pensioners are constantly highlighted as a group with demanding financial living conditions, particularly for elderly individuals living alone. In general, if household expenditures on vital goods are extraordinarily high (e.g., heating in the winter, medicines), additional economic assistance can be received through a means-tested scheme.
Citations:
Wright, M.Y. 2022. “Gode pensjonsordninger gir lav fattigdom blant eldre i Norge.” Memu Mennesker og Muligheter. https://memu.no/artikler/gode-pensjonsordninger-gir-lav-fattigdom-blant-eldre-i-norge/
Hetland, A. 2023. Minstepensjonister i parforhold. Statistics Norway. https://www.ssb.no/sosiale-forhold-og-kriminalitet/trygd-og-stonad/artikler/minstepensjonister-i-parforhold
To what extent does the current pension policy approach hinder or promote intergenerational equity?
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Pension policies are fully aligned with the goal of achieving intergenerational equity.
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Pension policies are largely aligned with the goal of achieving intergenerational equity.
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Pension policies are only somewhat aligned with the goal of achieving intergenerational equity.
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Pension policies are not at all aligned with the goal of achieving intergenerational equity.
The universal, tax-financed old-age pension system was radically reformed in 2011. The previous defined-benefit system was transformed to install a mechanism for adjusting pension rights in relation to increased life expectancy. This average increase in longevity results in a reduction in the pension received by those choosing to retire early. Consequently, future cohorts will need to work longer to receive the same generous level of pension as earlier cohorts. The economic incentives to work longer are strong.
The system remains a pay-as-you-go structure, where the younger, working population funds the pensions of the elderly. However, there are guarantees that if the elderly do not extend their working careers in line with increased longevity, pension levels will fall to avoid placing an undue burden on the younger workforce. This combination of intergenerational solidarity and a significant element of individual choice among the elderly is widely considered a fair system. It is economically sustainable and robust against a likely future increase in longevity.
However, for individuals with health challenges who cannot realistically choose between retirement and work, the system may produce socially unfair consequences. As a result, a new and separate disability pension has been introduced, paying roughly two-thirds of former income regardless of the number of years in employment.
Citations:
https://www.nav.no/alderspensjon
The system remains a pay-as-you-go structure, where the younger, working population funds the pensions of the elderly. However, there are guarantees that if the elderly do not extend their working careers in line with increased longevity, pension levels will fall to avoid placing an undue burden on the younger workforce. This combination of intergenerational solidarity and a significant element of individual choice among the elderly is widely considered a fair system. It is economically sustainable and robust against a likely future increase in longevity.
However, for individuals with health challenges who cannot realistically choose between retirement and work, the system may produce socially unfair consequences. As a result, a new and separate disability pension has been introduced, paying roughly two-thirds of former income regardless of the number of years in employment.
Citations:
https://www.nav.no/alderspensjon
Graph View
To what extent does the current policy approach hinder or facilitate the inclusion of migrants into society and the labor market?
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Integration policies are fully aligned with achieving the sustainable inclusion of migrants in society.
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Integration policies are largely aligned with achieving the sustainable inclusion of migrants in society.
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Integration policies are only somewhat aligned with achieving the sustainable inclusion of migrants in society.
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Integration policies are not at all aligned with achieving the sustainable inclusion of migrants in society.
Integration policy in Norway is relatively well-organized and well-funded. The key policy objective, which is legislated, is to ensure access to training, education, and employment for immigrants to prevent dependence on social security benefits. Rules for applying for citizenship vary depending on the migrant’s country of origin. Despite comprehensive measures, non-Western immigrants experience higher unemployment rates, lower pay, and lower job security than native Norwegians and Western immigrants. There are complaints of discrimination in the labor and housing markets as well as in daily life. Nonetheless, Norway has been more successful than many other OECD countries in integrating immigrants into the labor market.
There is a tension between pursuing a policy of multiculturalism and respect for ethnic differences and the belief in strict principles of equal treatment, which, according to critics, can easily become a hidden pressure for assimilation. Opinions also differ on whether immigrants with a non-Western refugee background should be treated differently from European immigrants who legally seek employment within the common European labor market.
Integration policies include 300 hours of free language training for immigrants and additional resources for schools with a high share of immigrant children. The central government compensates local authorities for their integration costs over five years if they agree to receive and integrate immigrants with a refugee background. Some of these resources are devoted to preserving cultural identity and providing classes for children in their mother tongue.
Applicants for citizenship must have lived in the country for at least eight out of the last 11 years (six years if their income is above a certain threshold, seven of the last ten years for asylum-seekers, but two years are sufficient for citizens of other Nordic countries). Immigrants with permanent residence status are entitled to vote in local, but not national, elections. Family reunification is a right for those able to verifiably demonstrate capacity for economic self-sufficiency. Political parties and other civil society organizations actively recruit individuals with immigrant backgrounds for key positions. There are no national target values for integration policies. Public attitudes toward immigration are monitored regularly. In the latest published study in March 2022, 53% of the population regarded immigration as positive for Norway, up 10 percentage points from 2021.
Citations:
Arbeids – og inkluderingsdepartementet. 2020. Integreringsloven. https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/2020-11-06-127
IMDi Integrerings og mangfoldsdirektoratet. 2022. “Integreringsbarometeret 2022.” https://www.imdi.no/om-imdi/rapporter/2022/integreringsbarometeret-2022/
IMDi Integrerings og mangfoldsdirektoratet. 2023. Hvordan går det med integreringen i Norge? Indikatorer, status og utviklingstrekk i 2023.
https://www.imdi.no/globalassets/dokumenter/indikatorer-status-og-utviklingstrekk/hvordan-gar-det-med-integreringen-i-norge-2023-.pdf
OECD/European Commission. 2023. Indicators of Immigrant Integration 2023: Settling In. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/1d5020a6-en
There is a tension between pursuing a policy of multiculturalism and respect for ethnic differences and the belief in strict principles of equal treatment, which, according to critics, can easily become a hidden pressure for assimilation. Opinions also differ on whether immigrants with a non-Western refugee background should be treated differently from European immigrants who legally seek employment within the common European labor market.
Integration policies include 300 hours of free language training for immigrants and additional resources for schools with a high share of immigrant children. The central government compensates local authorities for their integration costs over five years if they agree to receive and integrate immigrants with a refugee background. Some of these resources are devoted to preserving cultural identity and providing classes for children in their mother tongue.
Applicants for citizenship must have lived in the country for at least eight out of the last 11 years (six years if their income is above a certain threshold, seven of the last ten years for asylum-seekers, but two years are sufficient for citizens of other Nordic countries). Immigrants with permanent residence status are entitled to vote in local, but not national, elections. Family reunification is a right for those able to verifiably demonstrate capacity for economic self-sufficiency. Political parties and other civil society organizations actively recruit individuals with immigrant backgrounds for key positions. There are no national target values for integration policies. Public attitudes toward immigration are monitored regularly. In the latest published study in March 2022, 53% of the population regarded immigration as positive for Norway, up 10 percentage points from 2021.
Citations:
Arbeids – og inkluderingsdepartementet. 2020. Integreringsloven. https://lovdata.no/dokument/NL/lov/2020-11-06-127
IMDi Integrerings og mangfoldsdirektoratet. 2022. “Integreringsbarometeret 2022.” https://www.imdi.no/om-imdi/rapporter/2022/integreringsbarometeret-2022/
IMDi Integrerings og mangfoldsdirektoratet. 2023. Hvordan går det med integreringen i Norge? Indikatorer, status og utviklingstrekk i 2023.
https://www.imdi.no/globalassets/dokumenter/indikatorer-status-og-utviklingstrekk/hvordan-gar-det-med-integreringen-i-norge-2023-.pdf
OECD/European Commission. 2023. Indicators of Immigrant Integration 2023: Settling In. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/1d5020a6-en
Graph View
How committed is the government to helping build the capacity to reduce poverty and provide social protection in low- and middle-income countries?
10
9
9
The government’s development cooperation strategy is fully aligned with the goal of improving capacity-building for poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
8
7
6
7
6
The government’s development cooperation strategy is largely aligned with the goal of improving capacity-building for poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
5
4
3
4
3
The government’s development cooperation strategy is only somewhat aligned with the goal of improving capacity-building in poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
2
1
1
The government’s development cooperation strategy is not all aligned with the goal of improving capacity-building for poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.
Norway is a leading contributor to bilateral and multilateral development cooperation activities, as well as to international agencies focused on development issues. As a policy objective, Norway aims to allocate 1% to the OECD DAC-approved development aid mechanism. In addition, many Norwegian NGOs play a prominent role in international aid.
Norway has further strengthened its policies by increasing spending and promoting specific initiatives, such as education for women, global health, combating deforestation, and sustainable development of oceans. Norway’s international aid activities aim to combat poverty and improve women’s ability to participate fully in the economy.
In general, Norway favors global free trade arrangements, yet maintains a high level of protectionism with respect to importing cultural products. However, the 30 least developed countries have free export access to the Norwegian market, and imports from these countries have risen.
Monitoring the capacity-building in recipient countries has become systematic, with four objectives: 1) evaluate the results achieved in relation to specified goals and plans; 2) assess whether resource use aligns with the results achieved; 3) systematize lessons learned to ensure the quality of future projects and improve outcomes through effective learning processes; and 4) provide information to authorities and the general public.
Citations:
Donor Tracker. n.d. “At A Glance Norway.” https://donortracker.org/donor_profiles/norway
Norad. n.d. “Norwegian Development Aid – Statistics and Results.” https://resultater.norad.no/en
Norad. n.d. “Systematic Evaluation of Norwegian Aid.” https://www.norad.no/en/front/evaluation/
OECD. 2023. “Norway.” In Development Co-operation Profiles. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/aaf0304f-en
Norway has further strengthened its policies by increasing spending and promoting specific initiatives, such as education for women, global health, combating deforestation, and sustainable development of oceans. Norway’s international aid activities aim to combat poverty and improve women’s ability to participate fully in the economy.
In general, Norway favors global free trade arrangements, yet maintains a high level of protectionism with respect to importing cultural products. However, the 30 least developed countries have free export access to the Norwegian market, and imports from these countries have risen.
Monitoring the capacity-building in recipient countries has become systematic, with four objectives: 1) evaluate the results achieved in relation to specified goals and plans; 2) assess whether resource use aligns with the results achieved; 3) systematize lessons learned to ensure the quality of future projects and improve outcomes through effective learning processes; and 4) provide information to authorities and the general public.
Citations:
Donor Tracker. n.d. “At A Glance Norway.” https://donortracker.org/donor_profiles/norway
Norad. n.d. “Norwegian Development Aid – Statistics and Results.” https://resultater.norad.no/en
Norad. n.d. “Systematic Evaluation of Norwegian Aid.” https://www.norad.no/en/front/evaluation/
OECD. 2023. “Norway.” In Development Co-operation Profiles. Paris: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/aaf0304f-en