ABSTRACT
In Sweden sexual equality has become one of the most important goals of public life. It is an area of Swedish political culture where we find total consensus in public statements. Swedish women and men should enjoy the same rights and obligations, with equal employment opportunities so that they can be economically independent. They should have opportunities to care for children and their home, and opportunities to participate in the political life of society. Jämställdhet (equality between the sexes)1 is part of the larger concept of jämlikhet (equality). The concepts of gender equality and class equality are not uncontested among Swedes, but they have been ingrained as both uniquely and typically Swedish in the post-war period. Debates about jämställdhet and jämlikhet have been fierce, but conducted within a very Swedish context. Only a ‘real’ Swede can voice an opinion against Swedish equality.
