COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — Although both economically successful and culturally unique, the United States and Denmark could not be more different when it comes to the social issues of education and health care. Both also rank differently in terms of overall "happiness." Each country's different approach to these social issues may have an effect on the happiness of its citizens.
Health care has been at the forefront of debate in the United States during the past two years since President Barack Obama passed a universal healthcare bill in March 2010. This bill has been accompanied by criticism and cries that the U.S. government has overstepped its power by mandating universal healthcare. But in Denmark, healthcare is provided by regional governments and paid for by taxpayers.
There are more doctors in Denmark per capita than the United States, and this makes visiting a doctor easier and more convenient for patients. American student Dillon Wilson, who is a junior at Denison University in Ohio and currently studying in Copenhagen, Denmark, recently visited a Danish doctor during a case of pneumonia.
"It was encouraging to experience universal healthcare while in Denmark, and it shows that implementing reliable, convenient and virtually cost- free medical care is possible at a national level," he said.
Though the system in place in Denmark seems ideal, Wilson pointed out that attempting t o implement a similar system in the U.S. would demand many changes to the current medical system in place, "as well as Americans' willingness to accept the role of government involvement." Torben Jorgensen, a history professor at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad, has been receiving medical treatment for mouth cancer for the past six months and would have very large medical bills if not for Denmark's health care system.
"Danes accept paying high taxes in exchange for universal care because we're all in it together," he said. "It's necessary to both educate and take care of the entire population because our population is so small. The success and health of the individual is necessary for the success and progress for Danish society as a whole."
As a welfare state, Danes don't need to worry about paying for medical expenses, job uncertainty or providing an education for their children. Jorgensen feels "not having to worry about these things can certainly impact the happiness of one's life. As I've experienced, higher taxes and universal social services benefit the society as a whole, which may very well lead to greater happiness."
Rising college costs are especially a large issue in the U.S., with the average four- year private institute often costing upwards of $140,000. But unlike the U.S., all students in Denmark have the ability to go to school for free. Not only is no tuition charged to the students, but all Danish citizens are offered monthly financial aid as well.
Johannes Birkbak, a first-year medical student at Copenhagen University, receives a monthly stipend to help supplement his living costs in the city while he attends school. Denmark's high taxes allow the Danish Education Support Agency to supply students with a variety of grants depending on their age and specific courses and studies.
"I've been able to focus on my academics while a student, and not be burdened by having to figure out how to pay for my education," Birkbak said. "When I graduate, the government will have paid for all my schooling, and I will be in a competitive job market."
Jacob Buksti, a political science professor and former member of Danish Parliament and Party Spokesman on Taxes and Fiscal Affairs, said the Danish government's social services are important to its citizens.
"These services must live up to extremely high standards because of the high amount of taxes Danish citizens pay," he said. "If the quality decreases, Danes won't feel the government is spending their money properly. (Having a welfare state) creates a large sense of community between Danes, making the feeling of inclusion very important to one's happiness."
With the combination of a tight-knit Danish community, and government-implemented social services, Danes' health care and education are taken care of, leaving them with less to worry about than citizens in most other countries.