Childhood, Study Years, Roots, and the Early Years with Alva

Gunnar and Alva Myrdal’s childhood and adolescent years in Sweden are placed in a social and historical context. Their upbringing in the first decades of the twentieth century is described against the backdrop of the transformation from an agricultural society to an industrial society, marked by the emergence of democracy and incipient social welfare. Gunnar’s early education suffered due to his lack of diligence and frequent relocations, but he eventually excelled after moving to Stockholm and developed an interest in Enlightenment philosophy and political science. Gunnar and Alva’s relationship blossomed into a partnership that would later influence Sweden’s social reforms. Most influential in Gunnar Myrdal’s early career was Gustav Cassel, considered one of the world’s leading economists. In a short time, Gunnar established himself as a scientific star and soon he became one of the leading Stockholm economists, alongside Erik Lindahl and Bertil Ohlin. When studying in the USA he met many renowned economists and sociologists, broadening Gunnar Myrdal’s focus to encompass a wider range of social sciences.