What Matters Most to Swedes? Unlocking the Secrets of Swedish Culture

🇸🇪 In this video, I'll dive deep into Swedish culture and explore the key beliefs and values that define the Swedish way of life. From the importance of social equality to the love of nature and the emphasis on work-life balance, I'll uncover the fundamental elements that shape Swedish culture and help you better understand this fascinating country and its people. Whether you're planning to visit Sweden, study or work here, or simply want to learn more about this unique culture, this video is for you. Join me on a journey of discovery as I unveil the secrets of Swedish culture!

Chapters:
00:20 Swedish Culture 1
01:19 Swedish Culture 2
02:13 Swedish Culture 3
03:42 Swedish Culture 4
06:25 Swedish Culture 5
07:24 Swedish Culture 6
08:04 Swedish Culture 7
09:39 Swedish Culture 8
12:40 Swedish Culture 9
14:25 Swedish Culture 10

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#Sweden #Stockholm #swedenculture

[LivingSwedish]

What matters most to you? 😊 Let me know!

[svergurd]

Hi Uli, I have a theory. Most of the features you mention can probably be explained by our background. We are a countryside people. Until just a few generations back almost all Swedes lived in the countryside or in small villages, very few in towns. You knew the people in the same parish (who went to the same church), thats maybe 200-300 and you lived with them your whole life, and for many generations. Very stable society. Then it is necessary to behave well. If you steal something you can't get away with it. Everybody will know it, and they will remember it for the rest of your life. You can not litter or damage the common parts in the village or cheat or lie. On the other hand, you get help when you need it. It gives a good behaviour, not necessarily because you love everybody, but because of the stable system. Also, people were much on their own and had to solve problems themselves. The backside is maybe that you are not supposed to stick out, you know the Jante law: never think you know better than others. - And nature was always present and important to understand, the forest gave much useful things. - It is good behaviour, but the problem is that it must be mutual. When Swedes came to the US in the 1800s, they were fooled and stolen from, because they were used to trust. And today we have lots of criminals which exploit the system and welfare. If trust and care for the common is lost it is very sad and impossible to repair.

[razzuie]

You could try looking into pet ownership and animal rights here in Sweden, we have rather strict laws for animal welfare compared to many countries. I think that is something that is also important to swedes😊

[martinjohansson]

I would say empathy and understanding. I totally agree that we are very trustful. We are also very good at organising and making good structures.

[lindasimson]

I just love your videos, your a very kind lady, and very thoughtful, Sweden is a lovely country, with very nice people, best wishes from Linda in Scotland xxx

[LoneWolf]

I really liked your way to review us Swedes, our way of life and our country in general, I have my likes and dislikes but I could'nt find a better way to put it myself so thank you very much for that! 👍

[f.goossens]

Mrs F here. I never knew freedom of speech was protected under the Constitution. I like that (we moved here to Jamtlands last April). To date, we have found the locals to be quite friendly (we'd been told all Swedes are stand offish and aloof) and respectful. One or two things we've found to be not too great...healthcare..I've even heard Swedes complain about it and I've been waiting for an appointment since last year! And Swedish businesses or authority workers either take an age to respond to emails, or don't answer them at all! But, not knocking Sweden. Each country has it's cons, and we do love it here. Most of all, I love both the Jantelagan and the Allemansracht. Apologies if I massacred the spelling of both words. I just bought my first set of skis. I'm sixtyone and blind in one eye. I figure, why not be optimistic. :) Re the littering, it is SO refreshing to see how clean and tidy the countryside is kept, compared to my native Scottish Highlands where it would break my heart to watch tourists and locals who should have known better throw their rubbish all over the place.

[calyla]

Hi I am a black American who speaks English. I have Swedish in me but want to learn more about the history and what is ok and not ok! I have a good ethic and os very loyal to everyone. I think I might fit in just fine. I am excited to visit to this interesting country

[mikaelkarlsson]

Great video, again! You put it so well. Another interesting and perhaps future topic is WHY do the Swedish culture look like this. Each aspect you mention has its own history. And what are the similarities and differences between other countries. That is something I like and find very interesting. And your your channel is one source to get a different input on what Sweden is like. I like it very much!

[stigmadsen]

Another great video from you and very precise on sweden 😊 Greetings from Denmark

[kennethsteelhammer]

I would definitely help you with your pram Uli 💯😉🙋‍♂️

[akeeriksson]

It goes back to the Vikings! The word ”lagom” is enshrined in our soals. Lagom comes from ”laget om” i.e. The team around which ment that food and work was shared equal. If it was the changes of survival increased and risk of conflict within the group decreased.

[ssirfbrorsan]

Swedes are "quiet", don't want to talk about the weather, but. If you get the Swede to talk, he will never be silent.

[ssirfbrorsan]

Born in 1949, I still feel progressive, while being conservative. We fail with many of our goals in Sweden, while exceeding many of the same goals in comparison. Right now we "have" the problem of making it understandable, communicating, what it means to "be Swedish" in Sweden. Almost 25% of our residents are of foreign birth. It is up to us to make ourselves understood. So far we haven't quite succeeded. BUT...The new arrivals, or coming from outside, are necessary for our welfare. THAT is our biggest challenge, to convince a big minority that immigrants are needed. Aside from the humanitarian aspect.

[skojigoquist]

could you Please make a video about the sustainablility practices?

[Mangotheman-ux]

Pretty soon I'm going to think Swedes walk on water. I was told Swedes don't like to brag but what I hear here is how wonderful things are there. Maybe it would be more humble and better to demonstrate how Sweden is helping us poor backward people around the world to be more Swedish. But then we would probably make videos of how wonderful we are. Be humble not all countries have same conditions culture, and possibilities.

[Joseph-xtqg]

Great video! In the US, many things are not mandated at the federal level, but they are at the state level. Parental leave and annual leave are mandated in some states, but also most companies have to provide them in order to be competitive.

[falukropp]

Swedes are very secular, although nature are our church. That's our common religion today. Full circle, coming back to animism... ;-)

[joachimkylhammar]

ett litet tips besök Slätmossens naturpark mellan Vallavägen och Jordbrolänken.om du har tur kan du se bävrar men vanligast är änder, ankor och andra vatten fåglar och ank, änder ungar är så söta

[ESPirits]

In some instances the equality is kinda skewed because they strive for equality which means it's important to maintain a balance between both men and females, but i've seen in some media publications they said "we care about equality" and then they had 8 females on the cover and no males, so it's alot of propaganda from the left side currently.