Law of Jante: Difference between revisions
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==Modern interpretation== |
==Modern interpretation== |
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The "Jante law" has become a [[set phrase]] and a symbol of what many residents and also foreign visitors have seen as a permeating cultural code in the [[Nordic countries]]: It is frowned upon to appear to elevate oneself or claim to be better or smarter than others. Those who assert to the influence of the Jante law often maintain that the values of the Danish and other Nordic [[welfare state]]s are to credit for (the persistence of) the Jante law, in particular their stress on [[social equality]] and their emphasis on fairness for all. Others point to such traits as [[protestant work ethic]] and an early development of a modern [[central government]] in the Nordic states. |
The "Jante law" has become a [[set phrase]] and a symbol of what many residents and also foreign visitors have seen as a permeating cultural code in the [[Nordic countries]]: It is frowned upon to appear to elevate oneself or claim to be better or smarter than others. Those who assert to the influence of the Jante law often maintain that the values of the Danish and other Nordic [[welfare state]]s are to credit for (the persistence of) the Jante law, in particular their stress on [[social equality]] and their emphasis on fairness for all. Others point to such traits as [[protestant work ethic]] and an early development of a modern [[central government]] in the Nordic states. The Jante law is a product of the agrarian society that existed in Scandinavia until the beginning of the 20th century, where adherence to social norms was necessary to maintain cohesion and stability in the small villages. Due to a fairly recent industrialization compared to many other countries, as well as a general sparse population, Scandinavia has maintained many social aspects of this society, even while being amongst the most modernised countries in the world. |
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This kind of communal order has been observed in many areas of the world. It has echoes in the attitude towards others in some areas of [[England]], exemplified in sayings such as "Just who does he think he is?". The "[[tall poppy syndrome]]" – cutting off the heads of the tallest poppies – is another expression of the idea, and is a prominent phenomenon in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. The Jante law should also be seen in the light of the "smallness" of the individual Nordic nations, which forms an important part of their self-image. |
This kind of communal order has been observed in many areas of the world. It has echoes in the attitude towards others in some areas of [[England]], exemplified in sayings such as "Just who does he think he is?". The "[[tall poppy syndrome]]" – cutting off the heads of the tallest poppies – is another expression of the idea, and is a prominent phenomenon in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. The Jante law should also be seen in the light of the "smallness" of the individual Nordic nations, which forms an important part of their self-image. |
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Jante law can be also seen as the mirror image of [[lagom|lagomhet]]. While "lagom" or Finnish "passeli" is often translated as "adequate" or "mediocre", there is actually more than that. Being ''lagom'' means being one of us; it means being qualified in the team and being just as good as everyone else. |
Jante law can be also seen as the mirror image, and perhaps more pessimistic side of [[lagom|lagomhet]]. While "lagom" or Finnish "passeli" is often translated as "adequate" or "mediocre", there is actually more than that. Being ''lagom'' means being one of us; it means being qualified in the team and being just as good as everyone else. The Nordic welfare state expects teamwork and team playing of everyone, "blowing on the same coal". If someone attempts to raise himself above the team or to play solo, he is frowned upon as a team-breaker. The Jante law can be interpreted as a reaction on team-breaking and breaking ''lagomhet''. Many regard lagom as a positive thing, as it stresses satisfaction through slight moderation and rationality, though not all hold this view. The Jante law is often regarded more negatively, perhaps because of its more precise and restricting tone. But before one judges the ''Jante law'', one should consider that the alternative, a more individualistic society, also has many drawbacks. |
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The topic of the Jante Law is quite controversial in |
The topic of the Jante Law is quite controversial in Scandinavia and there is some discussion regarding its purported permeation of the modern Scandinavian character. Many view its influence as quite overstated, as modern Scandinavian society has distanced itself from the rural communities where such views are easily maintained and now mainly comprises urban communities where its influence is lesser. However its presence is still strong in many areas, and probably more strong in Sweden than in Denmark for example. In recent decades there has been a slight shift toward more individuality in Scandinavia, due partly to outside influence but also to a more urban lifestyle; however, extreme cases of elitism are still often met with strong criticism (ie. government scandals, narcisistic celebrities, flagrant displays of wealth), but not as strong as in the past. |
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There is a modern interpretation of Janteloven which is called Jenteloven, which is geared toward girls and women (jente means girl in Norwegian). Jenteloven is actually the opposite of Jantelagen, stressing the importance of woman and their individuality, and arose due to the feminist movement. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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Revision as of 11:06, 14 May 2006
The Jante Law (Danish and Norwegian: Janteloven Swedish: Jantelagen Finnish: Jante-laki) is a concept created by the Danish/Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose in his novel A refugee crosses his tracks (En flygtning krysser sitt spor, 1933), where he portrays the small Danish town Jante, modelled upon his native town Nykøbing Mors as it was in the beginning of the 20th century.
There are 10 different rules in the law, but they are all variations on a single theme and are usually referred to as a homogeneous unit: Don't think you're anyone special or that you're better than us. The 10 rules are:
- You shall not think that you are special.
- You shall not think that you are of the same standing as us.
- You shall not think that you are smarter than us.
- Don't fancy yourself as being better than us.
- You shall not think that you know more than us.
- You shall not think that you are more important than us.
- You shall not think that you are good at anything.
- You shall not laugh at us.
- You shall not think that anyone cares about you.
- You shall not think that you can teach us anything.
In the book, those Janters who transgress this unwritten 'law' are regarded with suspicion and some hostility, as it goes against communal desire in the town, which is to preserve social stability and uniformity.
Modern interpretation
The "Jante law" has become a set phrase and a symbol of what many residents and also foreign visitors have seen as a permeating cultural code in the Nordic countries: It is frowned upon to appear to elevate oneself or claim to be better or smarter than others. Those who assert to the influence of the Jante law often maintain that the values of the Danish and other Nordic welfare states are to credit for (the persistence of) the Jante law, in particular their stress on social equality and their emphasis on fairness for all. Others point to such traits as protestant work ethic and an early development of a modern central government in the Nordic states. The Jante law is a product of the agrarian society that existed in Scandinavia until the beginning of the 20th century, where adherence to social norms was necessary to maintain cohesion and stability in the small villages. Due to a fairly recent industrialization compared to many other countries, as well as a general sparse population, Scandinavia has maintained many social aspects of this society, even while being amongst the most modernised countries in the world.
This kind of communal order has been observed in many areas of the world. It has echoes in the attitude towards others in some areas of England, exemplified in sayings such as "Just who does he think he is?". The "tall poppy syndrome" – cutting off the heads of the tallest poppies – is another expression of the idea, and is a prominent phenomenon in Australia and New Zealand. The Jante law should also be seen in the light of the "smallness" of the individual Nordic nations, which forms an important part of their self-image.
Jante law can be also seen as the mirror image, and perhaps more pessimistic side of lagomhet. While "lagom" or Finnish "passeli" is often translated as "adequate" or "mediocre", there is actually more than that. Being lagom means being one of us; it means being qualified in the team and being just as good as everyone else. The Nordic welfare state expects teamwork and team playing of everyone, "blowing on the same coal". If someone attempts to raise himself above the team or to play solo, he is frowned upon as a team-breaker. The Jante law can be interpreted as a reaction on team-breaking and breaking lagomhet. Many regard lagom as a positive thing, as it stresses satisfaction through slight moderation and rationality, though not all hold this view. The Jante law is often regarded more negatively, perhaps because of its more precise and restricting tone. But before one judges the Jante law, one should consider that the alternative, a more individualistic society, also has many drawbacks.
The topic of the Jante Law is quite controversial in Scandinavia and there is some discussion regarding its purported permeation of the modern Scandinavian character. Many view its influence as quite overstated, as modern Scandinavian society has distanced itself from the rural communities where such views are easily maintained and now mainly comprises urban communities where its influence is lesser. However its presence is still strong in many areas, and probably more strong in Sweden than in Denmark for example. In recent decades there has been a slight shift toward more individuality in Scandinavia, due partly to outside influence but also to a more urban lifestyle; however, extreme cases of elitism are still often met with strong criticism (ie. government scandals, narcisistic celebrities, flagrant displays of wealth), but not as strong as in the past.
There is a modern interpretation of Janteloven which is called Jenteloven, which is geared toward girls and women (jente means girl in Norwegian). Jenteloven is actually the opposite of Jantelagen, stressing the importance of woman and their individuality, and arose due to the feminist movement.
See also
- Lagom
- Tall poppy syndrome
- Danish culture
- Finnish culture
- Norwegian culture
- Swedish culture
- Social Model