On the Myth of Social Equality in Iceland

Abstract

The popular belief in Iceland and elsewhere is that Icelandic society is typified by a high degree of social equality. This view is shown to be incorrect by using longitudinal data relating to access to elite professions as well as recent survey material. Explanations for the peristence of the myth are sought in the kinship network, social mobility, language, status ambiguity, affluence, and the changing occupational structure of contemporary Iceland. It is suggested that stratification will become more obvious to Icelanders with a further decline of traditional society.