Nordic Cities: A Haven of Contentment in the EU?

Across Europe, the allure of big city life is undeniable. Yet, a new study suggests that not all urban experiences are created equal. People living in Nordic countries—Sweden, Finland, and Denmark—report significantly higher levels of satisfaction with city life compared to their counterparts in other EU nations. But is this idyllic perception truly reflective of reality, or a carefully constructed facade of the “Nordic model”?

The research, titled “Who are satisfied with life in cities? Evidence for 25 European countries” and published in Urban Studies, delves into the complex relationship between urban living and personal well-being. Professor Fredrik Carlsen from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), co-author of the study, highlighted the stark disparities: “There are quite large and interesting differences between Nordic and other EU countries, in how satisfied different groups of the population actually are.”

The study, based on data from the Eurobarometer surveys between 2010 and 2019 encompassing over a million respondents, reveals a compelling pattern. While factors like youth, education, and employment contribute to overall life satisfaction across the EU, their impact is amplified in the Nordic context. Even individuals facing challenges such as unemployment or limited education report higher levels of contentment in Nordic cities.

Why this disparity? The researchers point to the robust welfare systems prevalent in the Nordic region as a key factor. These systems provide a safety net, ensuring a reasonable standard of living regardless of employment status or educational attainment. The Nordic model of wage negotiations, characterized by strong trade unions and collaborative agreements between employers and authorities, also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of all groups, including those in lower-paid or less-skilled occupations.

However, the picture is not entirely rosy. The study unveils a concerning trend: single people in Nordic countries experience lower levels of satisfaction compared to their counterparts in other parts of Europe. Carlsen explains, “This means there is one group that loses in the Nordics, and that is single people. In contrast to countries further south in Europe, lonely people and people without close family easily end up on the outside in the Nordics. That is a challenge.” This finding suggests that the famed Nordic egalitarianism may not extend to all segments of society.

The study’s findings have ignited a debate about the true nature of urban well-being and the factors that contribute to it. The X platform is buzzing with comments from citizens across the EU. One user wrote: “So basically, if you want to be happy, move to Scandinavia! Unless you’re single, then maybe try Spain?” another quipped on their Facebook account.

Dilemma Posed: Are Nordic cities genuinely better places to live, or are these perceptions skewed by cultural norms and systemic advantages?

Competing Perspectives:

• Proponents of the Nordic model emphasize the importance of strong social safety nets, equitable wage structures, and a focus on collective well-being. They argue that these factors create a more supportive and inclusive urban environment, leading to higher levels of overall satisfaction.
• Critics caution against romanticizing the Nordic experience. They point to the challenges faced by single individuals, the high cost of living, and the potential for social isolation in a culture that values conformity. Some also question the validity of using subjective measures of happiness as indicators of societal progress.

It’s crucial to analyze the data with a nuanced perspective, acknowleging the many different levels of context that contribute to satisfaction in cities. The researchers took into account several characteristics. As Carlsen noted, “If you have a partner, you also often have children. But if you as a researcher only include one of these variables in a study, you cannot know whether you will find the effect of having a partner, or of having children. If you include both, the information you get is increasingly correct,” Carlsen said.

One long-time resident of Copenhagen, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed this sentiment. “It raised more questions than answers,” she said, adding that while she appreciated the social security benefits, she often felt a sense of pressure to conform to certain societal expectations. The constant comparison to one’s neighbors, she noted, can be surprisingly taxing.

The study also explores the shifting dynamics of the labor market in wealthier countries. As traditional manufacturing industries decline, new opportunities emerge in the service sector, particularly benefiting women with higher education. This trend is evident in cities like Oslo, where the disappearance of traditional male occupations has paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The disadvantages of major EU cities, such as cramped housing, high housing prices, crime, pollution and noise, are not as problematic in the Nordics, the study suggests.

Call for Decision: As policymakers grapple with the challenges of creating livable and equitable cities, the findings of this study offer valuable insights. It underscores the importance of investing in social safety nets, promoting inclusive labor market practices, and addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations. However, it also serves as a reminder that happiness is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, shaped by a myriad of individual, social, and cultural factors. Further research is needed to fully understand the nuances of urban well-being and to develop effective strategies for creating cities that are truly satisfying for all their residents. It appears that focusing on GDP and welfare systems alone is not enough. Culture, class differences, industry all come into play.