Northern Neighbours: Scotland and Norway Since 1800

Northern Neighbours explores the reasons for, and outcomes of, the social, political and economic divergence between Scotland and Norway over a period encompassing 500 years, in an engaging and comprehensive way. This accessible comparative study takes a closer look at the links between suffrage, property ownership and the process of democratisation and distribution of political power, land use and reform, the relative movement of populations, the process of industrialization, and rights of access. It offers a thorough analysis of the history of religion, education and finance in both countries, and explores the exploitation of their rich natural resources, and the resulting contrast in their fortunes. The authors also pose timely questions about the future of both countries; whether the economic and social disparities between the two can be addressed, and if the Nordic model could provide a basis for a realistic and effective development strategy for Scotland, were it to become an independent nation.

Reviews of Northern Neighbours: Scotland and Norway Since 1800

""Individual chapters or the book as a whole will enrich any graduate course addressing land reform, land grabbing, the agrarian question, or development theory. Beyond the classroom, and beyond academia, the book is a valuable contribution not only to debate about the futures of Scotland and Norway, but also to the broader exploration of alternatives to neoliberalism."" — Matthew Hoffman, Rural Sociology""This is a thought-provoking book which offers insights into some of the key similarities and many of the differences between these two nations."" — Mike Danson, Scottish Review