Uncover the Law of Jante, a key aspect of Nordic life. Discover how it shapes social norms and personal connections in the region.
Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are well-known for beautiful natural sceneries, creative design, good life quality, and other peculiarities of culture. One of them is an informal, but very strong, social protocol called the Law of Jante (Jantelagen in Swedish and Norwegian, Janteloven in Danish), which defines many aspects of daily lives and social norms.
When visiting this mesmerizing part of the world, the Law of Jante is not the only thing to learn in the name of cultural sensitivity; it is one of the keys to a greater understanding of the Nordic lifestyle and personal connections more than skin-deep. This guide is meant to explain the phenomenon of Jante to foreigners, why it exists, what it is about and what you can do to not offend people to have a cultural experience as interesting as a visual one.
The Genesis of Jante: From Fiction to Cultural Cornerstone
The Law of Jante is not written legal code, and instead, it is a collection of not written rules of conduct that appeared in the mind of a Danish-Norwegian writer Aksel Sandemose. In the same novel, published in 1933 A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks (En flygtning krydser sit spor), Sandemose created an imaginary setting of a small town of Jante where the nature of common pressure of living in the society that demanded staying humble and not being different was the major factor, which influenced the lives of its citizens. The informal but rigid laws of the town were an attack on the country’s soul and to the destabilizing force of consensus on personal aspiration.
So here are the ten commandments of Jante as the novel puts it forward:
- You are not to believe you are anything special.
- This you are not to imagine that you are as good as we are.
- You must never suppose you are cleverer than we are.
- thou dost not conceive thyself above us.
- You must not suppose that you know better than we do.
- Thou wilt not be made to believe that you are greater than we are.
- You must not fancy that you are good at anything.
- Do not make jokes about us.
- Nothing in the world is to consider that anybody takes interest in you.
- It is not to be supposed that you can teach us anything
Though these rules might sound too negative or constraining, the fact that they still reverberate considerably in the so-called Nordic societies indicates a certain cultural principle: the principle of devotion to the community, equality and humility. With the passage of time, the Law of Jante escaped its literary moorings to develop into a widely accepted concept, however informal it may be, which summarises some of the elements of the Nordic collective consciousness. It underscores the value of modesty, it scores against explicit individualism, that people almost believe in a mentality that all are equal and no one should feel superior to some other person.
Jante’s Subtle Influence on Nordic Society
The Law of Jante is permeable in the Nordic social life, and it may influence the lives of the Nordic people through different societal, career and even politics. It also helps in contributing to the egalitarian societies which Nordics are renowned to be known at, contributing to the areas where social welfare, communal well-being and flat hierarchy are largely considered.
In the working environment, e.g., the Law of Jante may be interpreted into a team-oriented, rather than competitive environment. Workers are promoted to work in collusion and anyone who leads is not highly famous with his or her accomplishments. Bragging is usually considered something rude and it is commonly believed that humility is a bigger virtue. The same can be applied to the leadership styles whereby such leaderships are more consensus oriented and less autocratic in the style and in most circumstances, leaders are working together with the team unlike being over the team.
Modesty is very esteemed socially. Flaunting of money, boasting too much of oneself or attracting unnecessary attention towards oneself may be viewed as a Jante law violator. This does not in any way imply that Nordics are hostile or closed; on the contrary, their encounters tend to bring in a lustrous confidence, and an acknowledgment of space and equal status relating to all people. Discussions are rather restrained, and compliments, in case they appear, are usually thoughtful and sincere instead of loud.
Another aspect with its implications to the Jante is close attention to social equality, progressive taxation, and well-developed welfare systems, which have been characteristic of Scandinavian governance. Such policies can be viewed as a shared vision to see that no individual is denied opportunities and that benefits are enjoyed by the society at large and not few individuals. Many of these structures in society are based on the notion that no one is superior to another and this has been done to balance the scorecard and create an atmosphere of ownership and belonging.
How the Law of Jante Influences Behavior for Travelers
Leaving aside the fact that the Law of Jante is an internal cultural set of rules that only the people who grew up in Nordic cultures can comprehend, its implicit rules can definitely affect the travel experience. It is important to be aware of such unwritten rules and therefore to be able to fit in social situations in a much more comfortable and respectable way that will guarantee a more real and pleasant travel.
Here are some key considerations for travelers:
1. Embrace Humility and Modesty
Travelers should humble themselves since this is one of the most successful lessons of traveling. You may be ecstatic with your achievements or properties but avoid bragging or making too big a deal out of yourself. This does not mean that you have to lower your own self-esteem, but to people who prefer understatement and equality is a sign of respect.
- Dress Code: There is no rigorous dress code in Nordics when you are a tourist, but Nordics tend to wear simple, sensible yet comfortable clothes. Expensive or too luxurious dresses may incur unnecessary attention. Good quality and simplicity can be valued more.
- Conversation: In social interactions allow the conversations to be natural. Do not take center stage in a conversation or keep shifting it back to the person. Learn to listen carefully, and speak in an orderly way at the right time.
- Financial Displays: Be careful not to flaunt your money. On the one hand, you may be on vacation, spending your money in large amounts, showing off valuable jewelry items, or discussing high-priced items too much, but on another, it may be interpreted as a bad move.
2. Respect Equality and Avoid Arrogance
At the centre of Jante lies the notion that there is no person naturally superior to another. This as a tourist translates to being fair-minded towards all people that include the workers who serve you and the locals that you come across.
- Service Interactions: Whenever you are in any store, restaurant, or hotel, be courteous and tolerant to those working in the services. Never be demanding or make them feel that there is anything more important with your time than theirs. Simply pen and thank you goes a long way.
- Queuing: Nordics are usually very orderly people, who respect the queue. Jumping queues is extremely rude and is bound to arouse stern disapproval (although expressed tacitly).
- Public Transport: Do not take up too much space in a public transport system and also do not create loud conversation. Let others come out after you go in and give your seats to those in need of it.
3. Appreciate Understated Success
Nordic society is very successful and innovative but it does not praise its achievements like loud success but rather instead it is silently airing. This humble attitude to achievement may be considered in different spheres of life as architecture or entrepreneurship.
- Compliments: As much as possible, be particular when complimenting, and do not be too effusive. Nordics enjoy sincere appreciation and too much praise would be insincere and awkward.
- Professional Settings (if applicable): In case you are on business trips or visiting conferences, pay attention to the way people interact. Meetings could prove to be more formal and the decision making more collaborative than pronouncements.
4. Value Privacy and Personal Space
Although not a direct rule of Jante, the importance of modesty and non-interference, in this case, is usually interpreted as an excellent sense of personal space and privacy in the Nordic cultures.
- Eye Contact: You should maintain a proper eye contact just so that it should not be stared at as it may be interpreted as intrusive.
- Small Talk: Be aware that most people do not engage in extensive small talk with strangers like it is the case in other cultures. Although it is a virtue to be polite, it is normal not to talk to strangers in deep personal ways whenever you meet them.
- Noise Levels: Maintain low levels of noise in the areas that are open to the public or where there is a lot of traffic like the residential areas, restaurants, and the use of the transport.
5. Punctuality and Orderliness
Although not forming part of the ten rules, there is strong value attached to punctuality and orderliness in Nordic societies, which shows collective respect towards time of all the people and preference towards clear, effective functioning.
- Appointments: In case of having some appointments (airplane checking, tours in different museums, and restaurants reservations), make your best to be punctual. Tardiness without a legitimate excuse may be considered despicable.
- Following Rules: Be it traffic law, recycling or park rules, go by what is required. Nordics usually obey and believe the rules and being able to make some exceptions to apply to your case will not be treated positively.
6. Embracing the Nordic Hygge or Lagom Philosophies
Although Jante is all about group humility, it goes hand in hand with other Nordic ideas that center on health and harmony.
- Hygge (Danish/Norwegian): Being cozy, comfortable and content can be defined as hygge, and it is often realized in the most simple things, as well as warm socializing. It is regarding the establishment of a nice cozy mood, and this is in line with the modest character of Jante.
- Lagom (Swedish): Lagom means just the right amount, it encourages balance, moderation and sufficiency. It is neither excessive nor deficient and it is a nice accompaniment to Jante’s rejection of excess and extravagance. Explanation of Hygge or Lagom is useful in understanding that the Nordic people prefer moderation and shun extremity in either behavior or consumption.
Beyond Jante: Experiencing the Nordic Charm
In as far as knowing the Law of Jante is something worthwhile, one should not forget about the fact that Nordic countries can give a lot more than that. There is nothing in this guide to remark that Nordics are not welcoming and you should be walking on eggshells. Instead, they are said to be hospitable which is usually portrayed in a relaxed, sincere and toned down way.
The Nordics have spectacular sceneries and it is incredible as you can see the fjords of Norway and volcanoes of Iceland, archipelagos of Sweden and forests of Finland. They have rich cities based on design, innovation, and culture as well as city-level museums, food, and a great focus on sustainability. An interaction with local people, a sample of new cuisine, a visit to special museums, and a trip to the calm wilderness will make the trip memorable.
Conclusion: Traveling with Respect and Openness
It is an informal and frequently controversial concept, but the principle of Law of Jante is still an important cultural undertone in the Nordic nations. It provides the discerning traveler a special window of knowing how the region focuses on equality, modesty and the community. With all of this said learned today, by being humble, dwelling in their personal space, appreciating punctuality and the subtle nature of Nordic communication, not only will you simply walk through these lovely territories with more comfort, but will also have a more in-depth, natural understanding of why the cultures of these lands are so rich and complex.
Nordics traveling is like an invitation to be slow, to watch and to touch a society where social welfare and human contact are more important than chasing yourself through your self-presentation. The friendly approach to your attitude toward their traditions will certainly open an opportunity to quite pleasant interactions and some unforgettable moments in your lives, as now you will see much more in the Nordic lifestyle than its magnificent nature. Therefore, pack your bags, be ready to experience the true conception of hospitality and join a trip, which comes with some subtle comprehension but brings a distinguished sense of appreciation.
