You need high labor force participation to make a system that can support a strong welfare state. Scandinavian countries have arguably the best welfare states i

You need high labor force participation to make a system that can support a strong welfare state. Scandinavian countries have arguably the best welfare states in the world, but they also have the highest labor force participation rates in the world. Indeed their benefits like maternity leave help increase the rate, but I don't think they could support their strong welfare programs with less people working.