With a Knife in his Hand

Being a Scandinavian, I have often been asked questions about the Social Democrats. What are the differences between Socialists and Social Democrats? Of course, there are many differences and both movements have changed over time. I usually point out two differences.

 

Unlike the Socialists, the Social Democrats do not nationalise industries and in general do not/did not interfere with free enterprise (for example, minimum wages are not fixed by the government but by the collective bargaining of the labour market parties). Business was left to do what business is best at: making money. The government did what it was best at: taking as much of the money as possible and spending it (redistribution). This model seemed to work well in the creation of the modern Welfare State.

 

The other difference is of a more historical nature. Social Democrats were not revolutionaries. Change was to be brought about by democratic means. Power was to be won in elections. Social Democrats became part of the establishment and the ruling class. Corpulence was a mark of success. As humour had it back in time:

 

If you see a Social Democrat with a knife in his hand, you can be sure that in his other hand he has a fork.