to the homogenizing influence of the post-World War II welfare state.

The book provides significant insight into the changing nature of civil society under the Scandinavian welfare state through the lens of popular culture. Nestingen develops his argument through the examination of genres where the central theme is individual transgression of societal norms. Among the internationally known artists discussed are Henning Mankell, Aki Kaurismäki, Lukas Moodysson, and Lars von Trier.

Andrew Nestingen is an Assistant Professor of Scandinavian Studies at the University of Washington.