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In this article, Jonas Pontusson examines the trajectory of Swedish Social Democracy, focusing on the period from the 1960s to the 1980s. He analyzes the rise and subsequent decline of the wage-earner funds proposal, a significant attempt by the Swedish labor movement to democratize economic decision-making. Pontusson argues that while the labor movement initially radicalized its objectives, it ultimately retreated due to internal divisions, external economic pressures, and the strategic decisions of the Social Democratic Party. He critiques the prevailing theories of the time, suggesting that the failure of the wage-earner funds was not merely a result of external opposition but also due to the lack of a coherent, long-term socialist strategy within the labor movement. The article provides a critical perspective on the limitations of Swedish Social Democracy and offers insights into the dynamics of political retreat in the face of systemic challenges In this article, Jonas Pontusson examines the trajectory of Swedish Social Democracy, focusing on the period from the 1960s to the 1980s. He analyzes the rise and subsequent decline of the wage-earner funds proposal, a significant attempt by the Swedish labor movement to democratize economic decision-making. Pontusson argues that while the labor movement initially radicalized its objectives, it ultimately retreated due to internal divisions, external economic pressures, and the strategic decisions of the Social Democratic Party. He critiques the prevailing theories of the time, suggesting that the failure of the wage-earner funds was not merely a result of external opposition but also due to the lack of a coherent, long-term socialist strategy within the labor movement. The article provides a critical perspective on the limitations of Swedish Social Democracy and offers insights into the dynamics of political retreat in the face of systemic challenges Pontusson's article offers a nuanced critique of Swedish Social Democracy, highlighting the internal and external factors that led to the retreat from radical economic proposals. It is a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in political economy, labor studies, and Scandinavian political history.