[coldtea]

>Behaviour, especially widespread behaviour, is rarely irrational. Despite its reputation Sweden has become surprisingly unpragmatic in recent years.

Err, don't the two statements contradict each other?

(1) especially widespread behaviour, is rarely irrational

(2) Sweden has become surprisingly unpragmatic in recent years

[njepa]

I think systems have become increasingly unpragmatic, but not necessarily people's behaviour. In 2010, which the article refers to, youth unemployment in Sweden was ~25%, the housing market had become a mess already and various rules for student loans and unemployment had changed. So it isn't like they had a fantastic future just waiting for them.