This article reviews Swedish family policy from a gender equality point of view. Family policies and gender equality policies in Sweden are not two separate entities, but are closely interwoven and constructed to mutually support each other. Swedish family policy comprises three parts: 1) child and family benefits, 2) parental insurance, and 3) high quality day-care, which are discussed in the paper. Back-ground information on the societal context of Swedish families is also provided. It is argued that gender-equal family policy in Sweden has been successful, both in promoting a gender-equal society, in keeping up the birth rate and in providing support for families and children.only subscribers can see the full article

Today discourse on gender equality has a very different sense and meanings from the past. The following pages bring out their dual and sometimes contradictory, with the equality dimension generally accepted and referred to in the public debate – at international, national and local level – which suggests a possible and welcome echo-effect, even though that cannot be taken for granted. This requires a redesigning of the conceptual and interpretative schemes of gender differences.only subscribers can see the full article