ABSTRACT
In the 1960s, a vigorous and intense discussion got under way in Sweden concerning gender equality. In the 1970s, this discussion resulted in numerous decisive political measures, such as the introduction of individual taxation, parental leave, and expansion of publicly financed childcare, in order to further gender equality in the labor market and caregiving in the family. The discussion and political measures meant a kick-start for promoting gender equality in Sweden, which also seemed effective. Sweden has been number one in several lists ranking countries according to gender equality, including the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap list in 2006 and 2007; the Gender Equity Index of Social Watch in 2007, 2008, and 2009; and the Gender Equality Index of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) in 2005, 2010, and 2012. 1
