| dc.description.abstract | In this paper, I conduct a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the Swedish model in addressing wealth inequality and the concentration of wealth in the top 1%. The investigation is carried out by tracing the historical trajectory of wealth concentration and investigating key contributing factors such as intergenerational wealth transfer and the growing importance of capital gains at the highest income levels. The study builds on insights from previous literature and utilizes data from renowned databases such as the World Inequality Database (WID), the Luxembourg Wealth Study (LWS), the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS), the Global Wealth Databook and The Wealth Report and the Forbes Billionaire List. The research findings illuminate the Swedish model’s paradox in tackling economic inequality in the country. While it shows remarkable success in reducing income inequality, the model falls short in reducing wealth concentration, particularly in the top 1% of society. The study reveals that the Swedish elite class is considerably broader in comparison to its Nordic counterparts and even the United States. Furthermore, recent patterns indicate a growing income inequality, especially among the top income shares, largely driven by factors such as the increasing influence of capital gains and declining intergenerational mobility within the top 1% of income earners. This divergence further signifies a departure from the model’s historical success in achieving income equality. Without the implementation of policies that address the persistent wealth inequality and its concentration in the top 1%, Sweden is likely to maintain the current trend of escalating economic inequality and a growing influence of the wealthy class. | eng |