Berggren, H. & Trägårdh, L. (2022). The Swedish theory of love: Individualism and social trust in modern Sweden. (Transl. by S. Donovan). University of Washington Press.

The “Swedish Theory of Love” is an analysis of a political culture that, on the one hand, places an emphasis on individual autonomy and, on the other hand, places an emphasis on trust in the state. This book was a bestseller in Sweden and has been translated into English.

The authors, Henrik Berggren and Lars Tragrdh, contend that the traditional interpretation of Sweden’s welfare state as socialistic collectivism has persisted for a long time and has misrepresented Swedish culture. Swedish society has always placed a high emphasis on individualism and independence in interpersonal relationships, and this trend continues today. The book delves into Swedish philosophy, cultural studies, sociology, literary criticism, and political science to uncover the moral logic behind Sweden’s welfare state. The authors explain that human relationships, which are based on dependency and subordination, lead to personal inauthenticity. They contend that only relationships of equality and autonomy create the preconditions for genuine love and affection. The book moves beyond the perspective of rational social engineering to uncover the moral logic behind the cultural values of Sweden’s welfare state.