Culture in Sweden

Centuries of relative ethnic, religious, and linguistic homogeneity were followed by substantial immigration during the last sixty years, creating a multicultural society in Sweden. Most citizens speak Swedish as their first language and English as their second. Swedish is a north Germanic language related to Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, and Faeroese; it has incorporated elements of German, French, English, and Finnish. The language has been nationally standardized for more than a century, but regional variations in pronunciation persist. English is a required second language in school. With a robust feminist movement, comprehensive publicly supported child care, and an unparalleled percentage of women in government, Sweden is considered a leader in gender equality. Advancement in this arena is a significant national self-stereotype, a symbol of what distinguishes Swedes from others. Families are predominantly nuclear rather than extended. While the two-parent household with children remains normative, the rate of single-parent households is high. No industrialized nation has a higher frequency of one-person households, which are particularly common among young adults in urban areas and among the elderly.

Much etiquette involves the ritual enactment of equality. Thanking occurs frequently, and it is common for the person being thanked to offer thanks in return. People seek to repay debts of gratitude and thus restore symmetrical relations. Conversation partners rarely interrupt one another. Swedes prefer to listen to others as opposed to ensuring that their own voice is heard. Politeness requires attentive listening, which is often made evident by affirmative murmurs. When people disagree, they avoid open expression of conflict. Rigorous codes of modesty prevent interpersonal competition from sabotaging collective life. All forms of boastfulness are proscribed. Academic and corporate titles are seldom used, and conspicuous consumption is condemned. One of the key characteristics of Swedish culture is that Swedes are egalitarian in nature, humble and find boasting absolutely unacceptable. These norms are beginning to erode, however, particularly among businesspeople who participate in a transnational corporate world in which self-promotion is seen as a virtue.

When speaking, Swedes speak softly and calmly. It is rare that you were witness a Swede demonstrating anger or strong emotion in public. In terms, Swedes rarely take hospitality or kindness for granted and as such, they will give often give thanks. Failing to say thank you for something is perceived negatively in Sweden. Behaviours in Sweden are strongly balanced towards ‘lagom’ or, ‘everything in moderation’. Excess, flashiness and boasting are abhorred in Sweden and individuals strive towards the middle way. As an example, work hard and play hard are not common concepts in Sweden. People work hard but not too hard, they go out and enjoy themselves, but without participating in anything extreme. Due to the strong leaning towards egalitarianism in Sweden, competition is not encouraged and children are not raised to believe that they are any more special than any other child.

 

The Family

The family in Sweden is extremely important and as such, the rights of children are well protected. The rights afforded to Swedish families to ensure that they are able to adequately care for their children are some of the best rights in the world. An overview of these rights is as follows:
. Either the mother or father is entitled to be absent from work until their child reaches 18 months old.
. Either parent has the right to reduce their workload by 25% until their child reaches 8 years old (and is formally ready for school).
. A parental allowance is paid for 480 days, which is intended for both parents. Sixty of these days must be used by the ‘minority’ parents. For this reason, this element of the allowance is often known as ‘Daddy’s months’.
. You have the right to up to 60 days off per year to care for a sick child.
. A number of people in Sweden however, challenge the degree to which these rights are truly positive as statistics suggest that women often fall way behind their male colleague in respect to position in pay.
. Anyone travelling to Sweden will notice the family friendly environment of most restaurants and other such establishments. Even trains have a toy and play area.

 

Hospitality and Dining Etiquette

Although Sweden is a largely egalitarian and relaxed environment, hospitality and eating arrangements are often a formal affair. It is more common for guests to be invited to a Swede’s home for coffee and cake as opposed to a meal, but, if you are invited for a meal then ensure that you are punctual as it is considered extremely impolite if you are rude. In the same essence, do not arrive too early. It is not an uncommon event in Sweden for guests to sit in the car until the last minute or walk around the block until the expected time of arrival has arrived. Dress smartly as to otherwise would be considered disrespectful to the hosts.  Do not ask to see the rest of the house as Swedes are general very private and it is likely that the only room (other than the dining / sitting room) that they would expect you to go to would be the bathroom. When eating, keep your hands in full view, with your wrists on top of the table. The European eating etiquette should be adhered to in respect to knife in the right hand and fork in the left. Do not start eating until the hostess has started. Do not take the last helping from a plate. Finish everything on your plate as it is considered rude to leave any food uneaten. Do not offer a toast to anyone more senior to you in age. When offering a toast then lift your glass and nod at everyone present looking from those seated on your right to those seated on your left before taking a sip. You should then nod again before replacing your glass on the table. Always ask permission before smoking. It is important that you do not discuss business at the table as Swedes try to distinguish between home and work. During formal events, the guest seated on the left of the hostess typically stands to make a speech during the sweet, to thank her on behalf of the whole group. Always write or call to thank the host / hostess within a few days of attending the dinner.

 

Here are some general cultural norms:

1. Generally, Swedes are reserved in body language. They do not embrace or touch often in public. Maintain eye contact at all times while talking with someone. To beckon a waiter wave your hand and make eye contact.

2. Shake hands with everyone present - men, women, and children - at business and social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving. Younger people generally do not shake hands when meeting friends. Older people expect a handshake when being greeted or when leaving. If no one is available to introduce you, shake each person's hand and introduce yourself. Men should tip their hats to women and remove their hats while talking to women.

3. Knowledge about Sweden's economy, high standard of living, sports, architecture, history, etc. is appreciated. Do not praise another city or area in Sweden over the one you are presently visiting. Swedes are very proud of their own town or region. Do not criticize Swedish lifestyle, sexual habits, suicide rate, prices, etc.

4. It is essential that you are cool and controlled during negotiations and that you do not demonstrate any emotion as this will be perceived negatively. Additionally, always bear in mind that the egalitarian nature of Sweden means that decisions and consensus are made across teams. As such endearing yourself to the most senior executives and directors will be of no avail.