Northern Neighbours

A topical, comparative study of the economic, social and political development of Norway and Scotland 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.


Contributors
Arne Bugge Amundsen, University of Oslo
Eberhard ‘Paddy’ Bort, University of Edinburgh
Nik. Brandal, University of Oslo
Øivind Bratberg, University of Oslo
Ottar Brox, Norwegian Institute for Regional Research
John Bryden, Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research Institute in Oslo and Emeritus at the University of Aberdeen
Bronwen Cohen, University of Edinburgh
Keith Hart, London School of Economics
Agnar Hegrenes, Norwegian Agricultural Economics Research Institute
Mary Hilson, University College London
Andrew G. Newby, University of Helsinki
Erik Opsahl, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim
Tore T. Petersen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim
Karen Refsgaard, University of Copenhagen and the University of Life Sciences at Ås, Norway
Lesley Riddoch, journalist, author and broadcaster
Wenche Rønning, University of Nordland
Michael Rosie, University of Edinburgh