Gender equality is often seen as a hallmark of the Nordic countries. This book explores this notion by examining the meanings of gender that underpin policies in the Scandinavian welfare states, historically and today. It focuses on three Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Norway, and Sweden – and the policy reforms that have occurred relating to family and care. Beginning with the radical marriage reform carried through in all the three countries in the early decades of the twentieth century, the book progresses to explore contemporary challenges to the traditional model of equality, including ... More

Gender equality is often seen as a hallmark of the Nordic countries. This book explores this notion by examining the meanings of gender that underpin policies in the Scandinavian welfare states, historically and today. It focuses on three Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Norway, and Sweden – and the policy reforms that have occurred relating to family and care. Beginning with the radical marriage reform carried through in all the three countries in the early decades of the twentieth century, the book progresses to explore contemporary challenges to the traditional model of equality, including equal rights for fathers, multiculturalism, and a critical young generation. It focuses on both differences and similarities between the countries and discusses the relevance of talking about a Nordic model. Stressing the importance of viewing the concept of equality in its historical context, the book critically investigates and discusses the Scandinavian ‘success story’ portrayed in normative political theory and presents an historical analysis of the development of gendered citizenship rights.