Author Description

The colonial ties of the Nordic countries are usually regarded as weak, their international relations being characterised by development aid, peace building or cooperation, rather than by colonialism or imperialism. However, Complying With Colonialism presents a more complex analysis, introducing the concept of 'colonial complicity' to enlighten the manifold ways in which the northern European countries continue to take part in (post)colonial processes; 'exporting civilisation' in the form of their national self-images in respect of welfare state models and achievements in gender equality. Analysing the manner in which present-day Nordic countries are marked by both cultural and economic (post)colonial relations, it offers a new perspective on the analysis of Europe and colonialism, along with its material, political and ethical consequences. With a critical analysis of welfare state practices and the effects of the gender equality discourse in relation to 'race' and ethnicity, this volume shows how images of achieved gender equality can be used to construct dichotomous divisions between the 'nation' and its 'others', 'us' and 'them'. The discussion offers new insights for feminist and (post)colonial studies that examine how gender equality is linked to 'European values' and thus often to European superiority. With an international team of experts from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, this volume will appeal not only to sociologists with interests in postcolonialism, social theory, cultural studies and race, but also cultural geographers and those working in the fields of welfare, politics and International Relations. Policy makers and governmental researchers will also find this to be an invaluable source, as will scholars of gender studies and feminist thought. Book jacket.