Dads with strollers are a common sight around town. That’s how it rolls in Sweden’s culture of gender equality.
I was fascinated to learn while watching the last Women’s World Cup that Sweden has boasted outstanding teams in the competition’s history. For a tiny country to measure up against much larger opponents is impressive.
Then again, maybe it’s not when that country strives to produce excellence from all its citizens.
Gender equality is a hallmark of Swedish society. Lund students tend to discuss the social aspects of this equality, like how women take bold initiative with men and resist chivalry more often.
Swedish gender equality at its best, though, exists in social policy.
More women nowadays manage careers and families than ever before. Both responsibilities demand full-time attention, though, and women have historically been counted on to manage the dual role.
Dilemmas ensue. Employers resist hiring women for fear that they will take too much time off. And because time off means lost income, the mother–who typically earns less than the husband–takes the leave to preserve the father’s earnings.
Cue the Swedish welfare system to the rescue, which provides an incredible 480 days of paid parental leave.
The pay is excellent, but more importantly is available to either parent. The generous income replacement provides an incentive to any man to spend more time at home. To bolster this message that “daddy time” is encouraged, 60 days are restricted to the father, meaning that he has to use them or lose them.
All the while, employers don’t mind because they’re not footing the bill. The parental leave is tax-funded and universal. Businesses operate without burden, and parents can enjoy the security of knowing that their careers will still be waiting for them.
Ultimately, though, equality shouldn’t be about getting men and women to split each task equally. It should be about affording everyone the flexibility to decide how they want to divide their responsibilities, irrespective of finances or gender norms.
That’s why Sweden’s system is on the right track. It encourages men and women to experience both the joys of working life and parenthood.
Someday, hopefully, this country will see the fullest potential from every father, mother, and worker–male or female.
