Poverty in Norway had been declining from World War II until the Great Recession.
Norway traditionally has been a global model and leader in maintaining low levels on poverty and providing a basic standard of living for even its poorest citizens.
74% of those in Norway aged between 15-64 have a job compared to the OECD average of 67% and this contributes to the low rates of poverty.
The largest determinants of poverty in Norway were education level, employment and whether they are a single individual or have a spouse.
Norway is a largely homogenous society which places a heavy emphasis on collectivism and egalitarianism, distinguishing one's self from the crowd by socio-economic status is frowned upon.
Also, many immigrant families rely on a single income which further increases the likelihood of financial distress and poverty.
Personal includes issues such as mental illness, social isolation and language that restrict individuals' ability to engage and interact with society and hence leading to higher rates of joblessness and poverty.
Structural issues include such as unemployment, lack of government support, low access to a quality affordable healthcare system and education.
Spain, for example, administers social security in a way that provides funding for the traditional family structure to boost family involvement in welfare of individuals whereas Norway simply aims to provide benefits directly to the individual who needs it.
[2] This high tax revenue is the base for the government programs that are the primary reasons for low rates of poverty in Norway.
Such policies must not only exist, but be organised efficiently and effectively to be able to cover as many people as possible at a low cost.
Another key social program run by the Norwegian central government is the “Qualification Program”, which helps individuals who have traditionally not been part of the labour market to enter the labour force, find a job and lift themselves out of poverty.
[9] Strong collective bargaining rights have contributed to high wages and benefits for employees and mean that the proportion of full-time working people who live in poverty is amongst the lowest in the world.
Bergen in South Western Norway is attempting to reduce poverty by providing free internet access for kids.