The Swedish Model of Social Policy for the Employment of People with Disabilities as an Example of Good Practices Supporting Equal Participation in the Labor Market

Bernadeta Szczupał; Aleksandra Mazurek

doi:10.71358/ijpint.2775

Published: 2025-12-28

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2025)

The Swedish Model of Social Policy for the Employment of People with Disabilities as an Example of Good Practices Supporting Equal Participation in the Labor Market

Bernadeta Szczupał

, Aleksandra Mazurek

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.71358/ijpint.2775

Abstract

Sweden has developed an extensive system of support and employment measures for people with disabilities. This system addresses multiple dimensions of social and professional participation. The aim of the study was to examine the role of social policy in the Swedish welfare state with regard to the support of people with disabilities. The subject of the study was the system of social and professional support for people with disabilities, aimed at supporting independent functioning in society in accordance with individual capabilities. The system is closely linked to vocational education and training, social support, and pathways to employment in both the open and protected labour markets. The issues discussed are consistent with research in the pedagogical subdiscipline of andragogy, particularly in the social and professional functioning of people with disabilities. The study is based on a theoretical analysis of relevant literature, supplemented by a review of selected online resources presenting initiatives supporting people with disabilities in Sweden.

The article provides a narrative review of legal acts and institutional solutions and initiatives, which are an example of contemporary, good practices for people with disabilities aimed at social and professional activation and the creation of new jobs for people with disabilities. The analysis demonstrates that educational, social, and professional support for people with disabilities is closely embedded in the Swedish social model and constitutes a key element of state policies aimed at equalizing opportunities for all citizens. Despite many difficulties and challenges, Sweden is an example of the effective integration of people with disabilities into educational, social and professional structures, while promoting their equality and social inclusion.

Keywords:

social support, professional activation, employment, people with disabilities, labor market, social policy in Sweden

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Szczupał, B., & Mazurek, A. (2025). The Swedish Model of Social Policy for the Employment of People with Disabilities as an Example of Good Practices Supporting Equal Participation in the Labor Market. International Journal of Pedagogy, Innovation and New Technologies, 12(2), 109–115. https://doi.org/10.71358/ijpint.2775

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