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Jantelagen, or "The Law of Jante," is a deeply rooted Scandinavian social code that emphasizes humility, equality, and community harmony over individualism. This unspoken 'law' influences behavior, relationships, and attitudes toward success across Scandinavian society, subtly shaping interactions and expectations in people's personal and professional lives.
But what exactly is this law of conduct? And how has it helped shape Scandinavian society as we know it? Click on to find out.
Jantelagen is a social norm rooted in Scandinavian culture, emphasizing humility and discouraging individual boasting or thinking oneself better than others.
Coined by Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose in his 1933 novel 'A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks,' Jantelagen outlined a fictional town's rules discouraging pride and self-importance.
Jantelagen encourages people to avoid excessive self-focus or drawing attention to personal achievements. It discourages egoism to maintain harmony and equality in communities.
The concept supports a shared identity over individualism, with collective well-being prioritized. Individuals contribute to society without seeking to stand out as exceptional.
The original Jantelagen comprises 10 "laws," each centered around humility, modesty, and discouraging individuals from thinking they are special, unique, or more valuable than others.
While Jantelagen isn't legally enforced, it's an unspoken social code in many Scandinavian communities.
Common in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, Jantelagen is seen in attitudes that favor modesty and discourage overt self-promotion, shaping much of Scandinavia's social fabric.
Jantelagen critiques extreme individualism, viewing it as disruptive to social harmony. It reflects a societal preference for the collective over personal gain.
Jantelagen helps reduce jealousy among peers, as personal success isn't flaunted. It fosters a sense of fairness and minimizes envy-driven conflict within communities.
One of Jantelagen's core messages is "Don't think you're better than us," emphasizing an egalitarian mindset where everyone holds equal social value.
While not against ambition, Jantelagen discourages open ambition if it suggests superiority. Individuals may strive for success quietly, without drawing public attention.
In Scandinavian culture, personal achievements are downplayed. Celebrating oneself is frowned upon, as it's seen as unnecessary and potentially alienating to the community.
Jantelagen influences business culture in Scandinavia, where humility and collaboration are prized over cutthroat competition. Leaders often adopt low-profile, egalitarian approaches.
Jantelagen promotes a sense of equality across socio-economic classes, encouraging the view that everyone has equal worth.
Accumulating wealth isn't viewed negatively, but flaunting it is. Many Scandinavians avoid showing off possessions, preferring a more understated lifestyle.
Jantelagen influences Scandinavian media, with TV shows and news avoiding sensationalism. Public figures often appear more modest, and refrain from excessive self-promotion.
In schools, achievements are recognized without over-celebration. Group projects are encouraged, promoting teamwork over individual competition.
Scandinavian workplaces influenced by Jantelagen prioritize cooperation, where individual praise is often shared with teams and hierarchical structures are kept minimal.
Some criticize Jantelagen for stifling creativity and discouraging exceptional talent. Critics argue it can inhibit people's potential by discouraging self-confidence.
Supporters see Jantelagen as protective, preventing feelings of inadequacy in those who may not achieve as much.
Public figures in Scandinavian countries are expected to be modest, avoiding displays of luxury or vanity. During a 2018 appearance on 'The Late Show,' Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård explained that Jantelagen inhibited him from boasting about his Emmy and Golden Globe wins.
Jantelagen contributes to gender equality in Scandinavian countries by minimizing displays of power or dominance, fostering an environment where men and women are viewed equally.
Many Scandinavians embrace a minimalist lifestyle, consistent with Jantelagen values, preferring practicality to excess, and often focusing on functionality over style.
Jantelagen contrasts sharply with American ideals of self-promotion and individual success, reflecting Scandinavian skepticism toward the "self-made" mentality.
Critics argue Jantelagen can create pressure to conform, limiting personal expression or ambition to avoid standing out, which can feel restrictive to some individuals.
Jantelagen impacts public opinion, as people may be critical of those who overtly flaunt success or status. This can be seen as arrogance rather than admirable accomplishment.
Jantelagen aligns with the Swedish concept of lagom, meaning "just the right amount." Both values prioritize balance, moderation, and contentment over extremes.
Scandinavian people may avoid discussing personal achievements or finances in public, valuing privacy and discretion.
While younger generations challenge Jantelagen, many still follow its principles. Its influence persists, though it's often reinterpreted to fit modern lifestyles shaped by social media and globalization.
Sources: (BBC) (Sweden Herald) (Business Insider)
See also: How similar are the Nordic countries?
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Jantelagen, or "The Law of Jante," is a deeply rooted Scandinavian social code that emphasizes humility, equality, and community harmony over individualism. This unspoken 'law' influences behavior, relationships, and attitudes toward success across Scandinavian society, subtly shaping interactions and expectations in people's personal and professional lives.
But what exactly is this law of conduct? And how has it helped shape Scandinavian society as we know it? Click on to find out.