Covid-19 Stories from the Swedish Welfare State: The Pandemicracy

This book offers a unique perspective on Sweden’s COVID-19 response in its publicly funded welfare sector, which was initially highly criticised but later recognised as exemplary on the global stage in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Using diaries, stories and interviews from 73 workers across 30 professions, it reveals the everyday experiences of those maintaining welfare services, both on the front lines and behind the scenes. Covering 2020 to 2022, it spans major cities and smaller municipalities across Gothenburg, Uppsala and Stockholm and introduces ’pandemicracy, ’ a concept exploring pandemic-era governance and organisation of the public sector.

This insightful analysis sparks a wider discussion on adapting to unforeseen challenges in public welfare.

Barbara Czarniawska was Professor Emerita in Management and Organization Studies at the Gothenburg Research Institute, University of Gothenburg.

Josef Pallas is Professor of Organization and Management at Uppsala University.

Elena Raviola is Torsten and Wanja Söderberg Professor of Design Management and Director of the Business and Design Lab at the University of Gothenburg.