The Law of Jante (Jantelagen) is a deeply rooted social phenomenon in Swedish culture, although it actually originates from a Danish novel. The term was coined by Danish author Aksel Sandemose in his book A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks (1933). In the novel, he describes a fictional small town, Jante, where residents live according to a set of unwritten rules that suppress individual success and deviation from the collective. These rules are summarized in "Jante's Ten Commandments," the most famous of which states:

"You shall not believe that you are special."

Over the years, this mentality has become a symbol of an unwritten social code in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden. The Law ofJante revolves around staying in one’s place, not standing out, and not thinking one is better than anyone else. It is a culture where success is often met with suspicion, and ambition can be met with envy or diminishing comments.

But how does the Law of Jante affect individuals and society? Does it exist in other countries? And how can one handle it when faced with it?

How the Law of Jante Affects Individuals

1. Self-Image and Confidence

One of the most harmful aspects of the Law of Jante is its impact on an individual's self-perception. It can create a sense of inadequacy, where people question their own worth and achievements. For many Swedes, this starts early in life, in school, where children who excel are sometimes held back by an unwritten norm that says they shouldn’t think they are better than others.

The consequences can be severe – low self-esteem, fear of taking initiative, and a tendency to apologize for one’s success. This can lead people to avoid pursuing their dreams or ambitions for fear of social repercussions.

2. Work Life and Career

The Law of Jante is clearly visible in the Swedish workplace. Many who stand out or take initiative may be met with skepticism or criticism rather than encouragement. There is a collective mentality where it is expected that everyone should contribute equally, and no one should take up too much space. This can hinder innovation and entrepreneurship, as those who try to build something new or think differently are often told to "take it easy" or that "it will never work."

For women, the Law of Jante can be doubly punishing. Many women who assert themselves in their careers face not only Jantelagen but also traditional gender norms, requiring them to fight even harder to be taken seriously.

3. Social Relationships and Group Dynamics

Jantelagen also influences how we interact socially. In Sweden, it can sometimes be difficult to express pride in one’s achievements without it being perceived as boasting. This means that many people hide or downplay their successes to avoid negative reactions.

It can also create a culture of envy, where instead of celebrating others' success, people secretly hope to see them fail. Social media has amplified this phenomenon, where those who share their accomplishments may be met with negative comments instead of congratulations.

Does the Law of Jante Exist in Other Countries?

The Law of Jante is often associated with Scandinavia, but similar norms exist in many other cultures, albeit expressed differently.

• Japan has a similar mentality with the concept "Deru kugi wa utareru", meaning "the nail that sticks out will be hammered down." This reflects the idea that individuals who stand out risk being suppressed by the group.

• The United Kingdom has a strong culture of understatement, where openly discussing one’s successes is considered impolite. Talking too much about one’s achievements can be seen as arrogant.

• Australia has a phenomenon called "Tall Poppy Syndrome," where individuals who achieve success are often cut down by their peers.

• The United States, in contrast, has a more individualistic culture, where personal success is often celebrated rather than questioned. However, there are subcultures and areas where envy and social leveling mechanisms exist.

Jantelagen is therefore not unique to Sweden, but it seems particularly strong in Scandinavia, where equality and collectivism have historically been central values.

How to Handle the Law of Jante

1. Awareness and Self-Insight

The first step in dealing with the Law of Jante is recognizing its existence. Many people live with it without understanding how it affects their choices and behavior. By identifying when one is being held back by social norms, it becomes possible to actively work on changing one’s mindset.

2. Surround Yourself with the Right People

Having people who support and encourage your success is crucial. By surrounding yourself with individuals who lift you up rather than tear you down, you can more easily resist the negative impact of Jantelagen.

3. Celebrate Your Successes

One effective way to break free from the Law of Jante is to dare to be proud of your achievements. This does not mean bragging or belittling others, but acknowledging your own successes, both to yourself and to others, is an important part of personal growth.

4. Dare to Stand Out and Challenge the Norm

Those who succeed despite Jantelagen are often the ones who dare to resist it. Many of Sweden’s most successful entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes have faced criticism along the way but persisted anyway. By challenging norms and showing that success is possible without apologizing, one can pave the way for others.

5. Change the Workplace Culture

If you are a manager or leader, ensure that you create a culture where performance and innovation are rewarded rather than questioned. Give employees room to grow and encourage them to take initiative without fear of being held back.

When Is It the Law of Jante – and When Is It Just Criticism?

It is important to distinguish between constructive criticism and Jantelagen. Not all criticism is necessarily an expression of Jante. If someone points out flaws in an idea or performance in a factual and helpful way, it is about development rather than envy.

Jantelagen becomes apparent when criticism is unfounded, rooted in jealousy, or aimed at holding someone back rather than helping them improve.

Conclusion: Dare to Be Something

The Law of Jante is a deeply rooted part of Swedish culture, but that doesn’t mean we have to live by it. By becoming aware of its effects, challenging negative norms, and celebrating our own and others' successes, we can create a more positive and encouraging society.

Sweden needs more people who dare to break free from Jante and instead inspire others to reach their full potential. Because in the end, only one thing truly matters:

You are allowed to believe that you are something. And you should be proud of it.