Europe at Present [Spring 2003]
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There are several important reasons why Norway has not joined the European Union. The Scandinavian country has applied twice to join the community, but has failed in its bid due to two national referendums, held in 1972, and again in 1994. Norway is a nation which has been dominated by foreign powers for centuries, and holds its independence as of primary importance. Further, Norway’s geographical position at the northern extreme of Europe has had a large impact on their reluctance to join the European Economic Community (EEC). The Norwegians have always been in closer contact with the other Scandinavian countries and Great Britain, and as such have been more likely to cooperate with those nations as opposed to continental Europe. Historical and geographical reasons have not been the only factors, however, which led Norway to oppose membership. Issues such as North Sea oil, the fishing industry and the incapability of the Norwegian government to present the EEC debate effectively have all played a role. As the EU has expanded and more nations have become members, Norway has twice bided to join and twice failed in national referendums; choosing to remain outside of the European Union.Norway’s history also seemed to have an impact on the outcome of the referendum. Traditionally, Norway had international links with their fellow Scandinavian countries, as well as Great Britain and the United States – much more so than continental Europe. The Norwegian people often considered themselves to very different from other Europeans, and Union with the rest of Europe was almost unnatural.As far as Denmark is concerned, Danish voters rejected the adoption of the euro in a referendum. This was not the first time Denmark’s citizens expressed their resistance to integration into the European Union. In 1992, they initially rejected the Maastricht Treaty, only to adopt it later with small changes (similar to those granted to Britain, namely being allowed to stay out of the single currency indefinitely as well as to refrain from further integration in defense, justice, and home affairs). Then, in 1993, Denmark threatened to destroy the entire treaty by rescinding the ratification that each member state must give. They eventually overcame that hurdle as well.…Nordic character Many point out how Scandinavians never get invited to neighbors or colleagues. This is interpreted as a suppressed hostility, i.e. as xenophobia or discrimination, but it could be easy explained by the social pattern among the Swedes. Also Nordeners can be good colleagues – year after year – without this making them meeting privately. They tend to draw a clear border between their private life on one side with a few close friends and a bunch of relatives, and on the other side social contacts with others. A consequence is that it’s rather hard for newcomers to a town or a village to break into such a narrow circle, particularly for aliens. This feature is enforced by the strong tendency among Swedes to achieve socio-cultural homogeneity. Another typical Nordic feature contributes to this tendency: the wish for conflict free encounters in the private life. Swedes are particularly prone to achieve consensus in attitudes and opinions, and avoid socializing with others than like–minded people. Confrontations are regarded as particularly unpleasant. Northerners are not curious enough to balance for this fear for the different. They do also not believe ourselves to be interesting enough to wake the curiousness of others, and to compensate for this there must be food and beverages, and maybe particular activities, when meeting others. Another feature worth to note is shyness, which is particularly prevalent among Finns and Scandinavians. People feel inhibited around others one doesn’t know well, and one is very observant on one’s own behavior since it is regarded as very important to control which impression others get of one. Among less well known people, one gets extra careful since it is harder to anticipate their perceptions and reactions. A sign of the borderline between the private sphere and work is the Nordic resistance against small talk about private matters with strangers, which has been reported to be a great hinder in business contacts in foreign countries. The lack of passions strangers might perceive in Nordics is surely both reflecting a genuine trait and the fact that most strangers don’t meet Nordics in a context the Nordics would regard as private and unrestrained. Rational reasons have a strong precedence over for emotional reasons. Emotions are not at all disapproved in all contexts, but they are regarded as “pure” emotions of no further value than to signal one’s general unhappiness with life or fate. Quietness is regarded as the commonly accepted norm, and noisy fellows are strongly disapproved. Vociferous stubbornness is deemed as very ill-mannered. As is interrupting and talking in the mouth of others. The Nordic ideal is to think twice before one speaks, and to utter only one’s most firm beliefs, and only when there is a considered intention. What one says is remembered for ages, and if one says something stupid or “wrong” it will be proof of one’s stupidness and general incompetence. To be kind and good-natured is important. One prefers to be quiet or agreeable instead of uttering an opposing opinion, unless one really aims at hurting. It is easy to note how the Norwegians and the Finns, who gained independence first in the 20th century, tend to be much more nationalistic than Danes or Swedes. Norwegians are generally strongly affected by their own culture. Norwegian national romanticism has of course its roots in the independence movements from Denmark, Sweden, and German occupants, and is much more accepted and appreciated by Norwegians themselves, than by outsiders. Because nationalism often (in Germany, Sweden, USA etc) has been a political taboo, later to be picked up by anti-establishment semi-nazi groups, citizens of these places might find the Norwegian national pride hard to swallow. Northerners usually think they are very good at upbringing children, condemning the “cold” and unfriendly attitudes to children in for instance France or the UK. Spanking of children is not acceptable anymore, and actually unlawful in most countries. And now for something completely different…
Instead of a summary which is always one of the most difficult parts of a paper we decided to end our work with something completely different but perhaps much more interesting. How you can learn about Scandinavia as much as possible in the easiest and nicest way? The answer is: ask Scandinavians! We have made a couple of interviews with our friends from Nordic countries and we would like to present the results here. Michael (Sweden) How would you describe people from your country? People in Sweden have different dialects, but most of them suit the general idea of a Swede, so to speak. I mean, only “mountaineers” – dwelling in the upper part of Sweden are different. Not only is their manner of speaking hardly understandable, but also they refuse to conform to common standards of living. Many even do without television, radio and some other latest inventions, so as to life – they live in a crude, traditional manner. There is also a region inhabited by “Danes”, that once was a part of Denmark. They too have a very distinct accent, which arouses laugh or derisory comments at times. We are a law-abiding nation. Swedish law regulations and all other rules are awfully stringent. In fact, a Swede on an empty highway will drive 50 if that is the speed limit. However, this may be justified by the extent to which people are surveyed by our ever-present police. Social contacts, as well, are subject to discipline. When planning a coffee-visit, you need to make arrangement with the prospective host two weeks in advance. People generally stay at home and limit their intimate mates to family; friends are rather acquaintances, met seldom. Property is sacred, also property of views, feelings. We are a bit “inward”. Order, no traffic jams, clean streets and pavements. We do not attempt actively to make any alterations to that style, although we do find it tedious. We see ourselves as Europeans, 100% Europeans, one of those better. We price quality and we are, sort of “of quality”. Young Swedes tend to be lazy, older are boring and like to stick to what they already know; apprehensive towards inventions or changes. Holiday tradition? Normally, we go skiing during Easter break. Not much beyond that. What do you think about European Union? The European Union is surely good to be in. I would like Poland to join EU. As to Sweden, we always managed to preserve our curiosities, our traits, even our regulations. Like the Euro, which we did not accept, or like prices of alcohol, that dropped everywhere but for Sweden. Sweden stays Swedish where we want it to. All in all, The European Union is far from being the top issue of our everyday lives; it is just “there” and does not affect us too forcefully. I would like Euro to be introduced, though. Simply, for matters of consumer comfort, eliminating the currency exchange problems.
Typical Swedish Family: Volvo, a dog, about two children and a property house. Everybody works, one cannot earn too much, compared to the average salary – since we are a socialistic society (people who stick out with wealth are perceived as thieves of a kind; also, the tax is so high, that it never pays to earn too much). Family life is concentrated usual after work routine. Days tend to be boring and monotonous. Churches are no longer attended. Empty relicts they’ve become. Kids are taken care of by Day-Mums – women who take care of a couple of children daily, till 4p.m. when work is usually over. Grandparents do not do any housework or baby-sitting. They do not even live with their children. They stay, as a rule, in elderly-care houses. Importantly enough, these houses are almost luxurious.
We are equal. Or, we are supposed to be so. The spirit has been imposed yet in times of communism rule. Hence, everybody is supposed to fit in this egalitarian society, earn equal wages, have equal chances, and behave as all do. As an example, private hospitals do exist, but the government is doing everything that is possible to eliminate them. The only four private schools do not have easy lives either. Differences are “naturalized”. In terms of entrepreneurism, a citizen gets all help they might need to set up a business, so long as it is a small or medium firm. If you watch not to overdo things, you are provided with everything. Corporate life is highly dominated by men. And there is a stir around disproportions alike. We are an aging society. Women prefer to have children after they are 30. Often, this is put of even more.
Norwegians are perceived as mountain people, who ski, do mountain trekking, take care about their landscapes and generally live in the nature. Danish people are more “European”, more modern, up-to-date, and chilled out. The trade is free, for example. In Sweden you can only buy alcohol on weekdays, within a strict time frame, in special shops. Finnish people are a far-off eastern tribe, in common perception. We go there to buy cheap spirits. The stereotype says that the Finns are simple, retarded, and dirty. Well, who cares about Finland anyway? They don’t even speak similar language. Beata (Southern Norway) Do you like your Royal Family? Royals are doing a good job. Their only function is that of representation and they handle it well. They, actually, lift some weigh off the shoulders of Prime Minister. Do you consider Norwegians as an egalitarian society? Everything and everyone is supposed to be equal. So women are in no way treated differently. But why should we be treated as different? Bosses nowadays look to admitting lots of women into teams at work places. Good proportions make better work environment. Managerial posts, indeed, are dominated by male gender. But there are lots of women on the way up the corporate ladder. The problem crops up when a woman decides to become a mother, as later on she will not eagerly work full time, but she’ll do 50% or 80% instead. Children will, of course, go to daycare. But in general, we do have great variety of opportunities as women, and we are not limited by our gender itself. We are social-democratic country. We usually earn the average. But it is not that important. I just want to afford decent life.
We should join the EU. At the moment we are a small community in the north, we do have enough money to live comfortably on our own. However, in time, we will become increasingly dependant on the EU. Hence, we should adhere already. I think it is important and right that people stick together and work together for greater benefits. I wouldn’t mind foreigners settling in Norway. It would just have to be proceeding slowly – to allow the country handle the burden of integration costs. But I would never mind.
We are conservative. We have rules for everything and we generally obey them, well, as long as they are just. We are modest. One is not supposed to show off. We are a bit nationalistic, xenophobic. I don’t like it but it is so. We are one of the safest countries. Life is really steady and peaceful, not one of the most exciting. Everybody has got some blue-blooded ancestors, hehe! It is very common to have a genealogical tree drawn – people, in general, have these things done. When a teenager has their confirmation, they buy a national traditional outfit. Then, these clothes are worn during national feast, on 17th May, sometimes also during weddings. Anrde and Bernt (Norway) Are you in favor of your Royal Family? Bernt: Norwegian society is far from working out a common opinion on the sense or the non-sense of maintaining the time-honored royal system. People, regardless of their age, present various points of view – although elderly part of the population is obviously more inclined to the traditional monarchy, young supporters of royal family constitute a strong group among their peers. Andre: I am confident and firm as to the monarchy in Norway. I am against prolonging the royal system, of course. Although younger citizens could, logically, neglect the issue, I take it quite seriously. I am basically against the concept of giving power to people only because of their hereditary rights. Power should be earned through effort and work – instead of being taken after previous monarchs by heirs, since that denies justice, in a way. Let’s take the example of our young prince. He has recently married a woman who had been married before and had had a child from her first relationship. Their final engagement was precedented by incredible hype, full of accusations, allegations and gossips. Not only had the prince that unpleasant attention upon him without any previous request. He didn’t do anything at all to gain power or fame – yet he has got both in full scope. Bernt: I would agree on this one. It is not truly fair, indeed, that one bears every inconvenience a celebrity has to deal with, even though they never pursued that gloss. However, I suppose we need our royal family as they are now; firstly, for the sake of tradition. They somehow portray a part of our culture, some of our national identity. And they do no harm, peacefully existing. Their roles are only representational, whatsoever. They possess no real power. Finally, they are not considerable a load for the country’s budget. So why shouldn’t they continue their functions? I think the royal system shouldn’t be changed for the time being. Andre: You’re boring. In the end, if the king still wore his crown, I would still like him. But the royal family wears casual clothes, as every other Norwegian. That does not even look special. Why should they be powerful and renowned, then? Bernt: That’s not true! They do wear their royal ribbons from time to time hehe! But seriously, I’m not bothered. I reckon no better alternatives to the system we have at present. Andre: Another important thing is the reason why many Norwegians still hugely appreciate the king and his relatives. That is, during World War II the ruler strongly opposed to German supremacy. Hitler wanted to take advantage of a submissive Norway – but royal family firmly and consistently objected, despite pressure being exerted on them. Thus they gained strong support of the nation, which has lasted ever since. Nonetheless, power should be earned – not given away for nothing. Bernt: Yet the king is smart and amicable. Lots of people would like him to take real power and would probably support him as a potential Prime Minister. What do you think: should men and women share housework on 50:50 basis? Who should take care of children? Bernt: Well, children should be in nursery schools from the day they are 1 year old. Andre: And as to taking care of infants, both sexes may both obtain long maternity/paternity paid leaves. Social policy encourages procreation, so it becomes easier and easier for both men and women to stay at home for some months to bring up their offspring. Bernt: This works out well for couples. But I am not yet able to say whether I would take a paternity leave myself. Anyway – egalitarian approach is the basis of life of our society. Both sexes can do any job they may fancy (girls in the military service are nothing out of ordinary), both men and women are treated exactly in the same way, retire at the same age and so on. And what about for example: toys? Do parents buy the same for boys and girls? Andre: No, this hasn’t gotten that far yet, hehe! Boys still get cars and girls go on playing with dolls. Bernt: Although more and more universal toys are available – such as pokemon creatures which serve boys and girls identically. Andre: And it’s also true, that there are quite some housewives while house-husbands do not really exist. People in general rarely stay at home, don’t they? Bernt: Yes. People tend to work full-time. Children are usually in nursery schools and elderly people are well taken care of by specially created institutions. Andre: This is the way things have been for a long time and it is generally accepted. There is now even a debate on possibilities of providing single rooms for all seniors. Bernt: Senior houses and nurseries emerged as a response to needs of working class in the free-market society. Andre: Our economic goodwill requires these solutions. The percentage of working population is shrinking due to aging society, so we have to make best possible use of those in the working age. How does egalitarian approach influence man’s attitude towards woman? Do you for example: let women pass first through the door? Or do you help them sit by the table? Andre: No, of course not. We don’t have such strange things as letting women get in first through the door, or helping them to sit by the table Bernt: Why should we? These are probably some of the obsolete customs Poles and French still cultivate. However, if women want to be treated equally, we deliver that. So you ceased somewhere to show any respect towards the fragile gender? Bernt: Come on, equality means equality. Women are just as privileged as men are. Andre: Well, we might in the end show some respect for women. If a woman wanted to get on a bus with a heavy pram, I suppose we might help her, hehe! What are your unique characteristics and reasons for national pride? Bernt: Norwegians are by nationality supposed to be close to nature, at least closer than an average foreigner. Andre: We do have and maintain that direct contact with natural environment. There are beautiful landscapes and truly amazing natural sites all over the country. Also, all our wealth comes from the nature: Norway thrives on fishing, gas and oil. We are often proud of our artists that are present on world scenes, but are not always recognized by foreigners. We like to remind people: “they are from Norway”! But I guess we feel small somehow. We feel much smaller a country compared to Poland. Moreover, we are outside the EU. Bernt: In this regard we are outsiders. To say more, we have a strong notion of independence. We are firmly convinced that we can get by on our own. So you oppose Norway joining the EU? Andre: I would like Norway to join EU. And I think lots of people share my point of view. But we do feel we can manage ourselves. Bernt: In my opinion we shouldn’t join EU yet. We’ll probably have to in a couple of years but for the moment we are better off outside. Our economy is so specific and disparate that nowadays a world recession is to our benefit. Furthermore, we have substantial influence on our economy. Joining the EU means giving that up. Brussels is so far – and we would speak such a quiet voice in the Union – that we would hardly have any impact on our own economic condition. Andre: I am a very, very much in favour of common currency! I used to travel to Sweden via Denmark; then I had to carry three different currencies, which was highly inconvenient. One single currency makes life much easier, prices become transparent across countries, and, by the way, I am not a huge fan of our bills with the king in the crown. Bernt: I would be pro as an economist, but I’m against as a person. I like the image of our king on the bills. I would say this personal attachment to currency is common in Norway. Andre: I am an integration freak. I want Europe to be one country, economically unified. This will happen one day anyway, so we should support the process. We will soon have to join the EU because Iceland will wand to be a member. Due to fishing industry, which is their strong point and which we, too, count on largely, we cannot let ourselves lag behind after they have become part of common European economy. Bernt: I like differences. Variety is the spice of life. I very much appreciate diversified cultures of Europe. Hence, I don’t really want to accelerate the integration. I think we should leave things as they are and let them develop at their own pace. What is the perception of Danes and Swedes by Norwegians? Bernt: Danish people are very relaxed and easygoing. They seem to like going to bars and partying – that’s their way. They are well perceived in Norway. They are not really dangerous as competitors in sports, so we do not mind them in general. Danes are pragmatic. We are much more concerned about order. The thing with Swedes is quite disparate, though. Andre: Norway used to be under Swedish rule for a long time. Actually, throughout our history we have been subject either to Denmark or to Sweden for most of the time. Norway used to be poorer and worse developed than Sweden. But then oil fields were discovered on our territory and since that time we have been doing even slightly better than our Swedish brothers. Norway is, first of all, very costly compared to Denmark or Sweden. We are not a member state of EU – and that would entail banning most of the taxes. Anyway, the taxes are high and we go to Sweden to do cheap shopping. Bernt: We compete with Swedes in many sport disciplines. That’s where many slightly offensive phrases derive from. In fact, we do not hate each other, we are just rivals. Andre: There are plenty of jokes with three regular characters: a Dane, a Norwegian and a Swede. The Swede somehow always turns out to be the stupid one, hehe. There are also huge cultural differences between Norwegians from the north and those from the south. The nation is varying strongly along regions. What do you think about political life in your country? Andre: Lately the Labor Party has lost most of their supporters. That seems strange, since this political option is still on top in Sweden. Amongst students, the most popular policies are those of reinforcing free market mechanisms and implementing other liberal ideas. This basically stands for center-right. Bernt: Well, I support far right. I think that in order to achieve any of political goals like privatization, free market or individual economic freedom, we must give power to those who aim furthest. Thus, we stand good chances of realizing the goals, as the extreme postulates would never even be considered as feasible. Andre: Are you really in favor of them? In this case I will not sleep with you any more! (hehe) I support moderate liberalists. What is the situation of Church in Norway? Andre: Church is no longer important part of life of society. We only attend a mess on the occasions of baptism and marriage. And what about other cultural issues? Bernt: Bills, for example. When it comes to paying, we normally split every bill. It is rare to pay for one’s friends in a bar. Andre: It sometimes happens, though. A working girlfriend obviously pays for her non-working boyfriend. Bernt: We don’t go out too often, anyway. Twice a week is quite a lot, compared to approximate numbers. Entertainment is expensive. That’s why a couple would rather go to a café or to a cinema – and seldom to a restaurant. Andre: But in our restaurants we always have thick and soft napkins, unlike in Polish ones. And we don’t have any metal detectors in Norwegian discotheques, but I guess that is not the thing you asked… hehe! VI. LITERATURE www.amscan.org www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/no.html www.demografi.no/arkiv www.denmark.org/about_denmark/factsheets.html www.finland-tourism.com www.formin.finland.fi/english www.funet.fi/resources/maps/ www.goscandinavia.com www.lib.byu.edu/estu/wess/scan www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/finland www.luth.se/luth/present/sweden/history/ www.lysator.liu.se/nordic www.mnh.si.edu/vikings www.norden.org www.nordicvoice.org/ www.norway.org www.pastforward.co.uk/vikings www.scandinaviancooking.com www.scandinavianews.com www.scanfest.org www.stst.net/Scandinavian www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord www.sweden.com www.travel.fi/int www.vikings.ndirect.co.uk www.virtual.finland.fi www.visitdenmark.com www.visitnorway.com/ www.visit-sweden.com www.vn.fi/vn/um Appendix 2: The Norwegian, the Danish and the Finn were stranded on an island, when they found a bottle. Inside the bottle there was a spirit who told them that they could have one wish each. The Norwegian wished that he was home again, the same with the Danish. Then the Finn got lonely and wished them back. Do you know why the Danes bring sandpaper when they are in the desert? Because they think it is a map Do you know what an A4 sheet divided in two is? A puzzle for Swedes What do you call an intelligent man in Norway? A tourist. Aleksandra Łukasiewicz, Malwina Nowakowska (ed.), Weronika Zwolińska |