A1 Journal article (refereed)
Comparisons, Categories, and Labels : Investigating the North–South Dichotomy in Europe (2023)


Tervonen-Gonçalves, L., & Oinonen, E. (2023). Comparisons, Categories, and Labels : Investigating the North–South Dichotomy in Europe. Critical Policy Studies, 17(1), 24-42. https://doi.org/10.1080/19460171.2021.2006072


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Tervonen-Gonçalves, Leena; Oinonen, Eriikka

Journal or series: Critical Policy Studies

ISSN: 1946-0171

eISSN: 1946-018X

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 23/11/2021

Volume: 17

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 24-42

Publisher: Routledge, Taylor & Francis

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19460171.2021.2006072

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/78877


Abstract

The paper presents genealogy-oriented analysis of how the Nordic model gained its dominant characterization as modern, advanced and superior to other European welfare models while Southern European countries came to be labelled laggards in the welfare domain. To illuminate the relational nature of these, and all, comparisons, the analysis accentuates how researchers, politicians, and civil servants alike designate Nordic and Southern European states, their societies, and their welfare models. The empirical analysis focuses on scholarly writings about welfare-state comparisons (1986–2017) and on European Union documents addressing cohesion policies (1986–2021).

Analysis of the vocabulary and labelling illuminates how the Scandocentric and the South-related bias have been produced and reproduced.The analysis indicates that labels, once established, tend to get replicated without question and grow unquestionable in science and policy-making both. While reducing complexity and increasing predictability, this process simultaneously constrains alternative ways to interpret changing situations and alternative contexts.


Keywords: welfare state; models (objects); comparison; international comparison; dichotomies; discourse analysis

Free keywords: comparisons; labelling; welfare state modelling; dichotomies; Europe; policy discourse analysis


Contributing organizations


Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 2


Last updated on 2024-22-04 at 20:30