> If we consider consumer credit, the welfare-debt theory makes sense again. While consumer credit is more the exception than the norm in Europe, and almost abs

> If we consider consumer credit, the welfare-debt theory makes sense again. While consumer credit is more the exception than the norm in Europe, and almost absent in the Nordic countries, it is common in Anglo-liberal countries (UK, US and Canada) where it is used by families as a substitute for poor welfare provision. Hmm - in Norway here, it's common to see advertising for credit (lots for fixed unsecured loans.) Basically all the grocery store chains except one have their own loyalty credit card. I never watched an episode, but there is a show called Luksusfelle which tries to help people reform their out-of-control finances - I think more than once, credit cards were mentioned. I mean, it's not like the US and the regulatory environment is more consumer-friendly than the US, but I cannot imagine it as non-existent as it is said here. I am not being coldly statistical here, but it really doesn't match up with a lot of the anecdotal experiences I have.