Gender Equality and Labor Market Participation : Evidence from Scandinavian Countries
Keywords:
Gender Equality, Labor Market, Scandinavian Countries, Social Policies, Economic InclusivityAbstract
This paper analyzes the progress of gender equality in labor markets across Scandinavian countries and its economic implications. By comparing labor force participation rates, wage gaps, and social policies, the study identifies factors contributing to higher gender parity. Results show that robust parental leave systems and flexible working arrangements significantly enhance women's participation. The findings underscore the importance of supportive policies in achieving economic inclusivity.
References
Albrecht, J., Björklund, A., & Vroman, S. (2003). "Is There a Glass Ceiling in Sweden?" Journal of Labor Economics, 21(1), 145-177.
Bergmann, N., & Rustad, A. S. (2020). "The Gender Pay Gap in Norway: Trends and Explanations." Scandinavian Journal of Economics, 122(2), 456-483.
Brandth, B., & Kvande, E. (2018). "Fathers and Parental Leave in Norway: Continuous Change – Or a Break with the Past?" Journal of European Social Policy, 28(1), 1-13.
Ellingsæter, A. L. (2013). "Scandinavian Welfare States and Gender (De)segregation: Recent Trends and Processes." Economic and Industrial Democracy, 34(3), 501-518.
Esping-Andersen, G. (2002). "A Child-Centred Social Investment Strategy." Social Investment in Europe, 79-97.
Grönlund, A., & Magnusson, C. (2016). "Family-Friendly Policies and Women’s Wages: The Role of Family Leave Policies and Gender Equality Orientation of Workplace Cultures." Work, Employment and Society, 30(3), 484-501.
Halldén, K., & Stenberg, S. (2014). "Gender and Social Background Determinants of the Gender Wage Gap: A Comparison Between Sweden and the United States." Acta Sociologica, 57(1), 33-51.
Holter, Ø. G. (2005). "Social Theories for Researching Men and Masculinities: Direct Gender Hierarchy and Structural Inequality." Men and Masculinities, 8(3), 3-23.
Johansson, E. A., & Sørensen, B. (2014). "Maternity Leave and Gender Equality: Evidence from Denmark." Labour Economics, 31, 89-101.
Kitterød, R. H., & Pettersen, S. V. (2016). "Gender and the Division of Paid Work and Housework in Norway." European Sociological Review, 32(6), 748-761.
Kvande, E., & Brandth, B. (2009). "Gendered or Gender-Neutral Care Politics for Fathers?" Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 624(1), 177-189.
Melby, K., Ravn, A. B., & Wetterberg, C. C. (2009). Gender Equality and Welfare Politics in Scandinavia: The Limits of Political Ambition? Policy Press.
Mósesdóttir, L. (2001). "Gender-Segregated Labor Markets and Gendered Political Strategies: The Case of Iceland." NORA - Nordic Journal of Feminist and Gender Research, 9(2), 76-86.
Nermo, M. (2015). "Trends in Occupational Sex Segregation and Occupational Gender Inequality in Sweden." International Sociology, 30(4), 458-474.
Skrede, K., & Holter, Ø. G. (2018). "Gender Equality and Work-Life Balance: The Nordic Experience." Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies, 8(4), 203-225.