ocr: Income disparities are more markedin Finland than in the rest of Scandinavia. However, the economic boom andlabor shortages ofthe 1980sledto a sharp rise in all living standards. Personal consumption reached Swedish. levels and many tamilies were able to take two vacations a year. Social security benetits were extended. Since the recession began in 1990, this improvement has been reversed. Wealth disparities have also widened. Cuts in budgetary expenditure have resulted in a decline in social security benefits paid to the unemployed. Those in work have had to accept lower pay rises and higher ...
