The Price of Safety: Assessing the Acceptance of COVID-19 Measures in Nordic Countries

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Nordic governments to implement various measures to control the virus’s spread, impacting individuals in different ways. This study seeks to understand the extent to which people in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) perceive these COVID-19 regulations as reasonable. We conducted surveys among representative samples of citizens in these countries and analyzed the data using linear regression. Our findings indicate a high level of acceptance for these measures, suggesting a willingness to sacrifice significant freedoms in a pandemic crisis. However, this acceptance does not imply that 'anything goes.' Acceptance varies based on individual circumstances and context, aligning with the notion of critical compliance. The study underscores the importance of both state-centered and citizen-based perspectives in understanding public acceptance of pandemic measures. It raises questions about citizens' willingness to sacrifice fundamental human rights and highlights potential negative impacts on democratic standards and values during crises. Our insights can assist policymakers in creating more effective and widely accepted regulations in response to pandemics or similar crises.