Swedish Equality: A Model of Fairness and Inclusion in Modern Society

Having lived abroad for over 10 years, I have found that Swedish equality often becomes a topic of conversation, whether in discussions with fellow expats or as a culture shock when I, as a woman, do something traditionally perceived as male

» Updated:

» Published:

Swedish Equality: A Model of Fairness and Inclusion in Modern Society
Photo: Envato

Share this article

Swedish (or dare I say Scandinavian?) equality is unlike anything I have encountered elsewhere. I was born and raised in Sweden by two regular, working-class parents on a farm outside a small town. I grew up with a brother and a sister, and not once did my parents define me by my sex.

Growing up as a girl in Sweden meant I did everything my mom did and everything my dad did. Being a girl did not define what I was or was not allowed to do.

I helped my dad paint the house and bake, or I mowed the lawn or cared for the animals alongside my mom. While not every girl in Sweden may have been raised in such an equal way, the concept of Swedish equality, especially compared to what I have seen in other countries, is striking. Here, women do not face the usual pressures of needing to marry, have children, or find a husband. Household tasks are not inherently male or female, but rather something practical everyone should learn.

Growing up, I was encouraged to work, follow my passions, and find my place in the world. This continues in my adult life and whilst I may get confused looks when I am digging a hole in my garden in Italy, in Sweden no one would even care.

Author

Saga V. BohinenS
By Saga V. BohinenFeature Writer & Columnist

More news

Electric Scooters in Sweden: What You Need to Know

Electric Scooters in Sweden: What You Need to Know

The Job Market in Sweden is Cooling Down - Significant Differences Between Industries

The Job Market in Sweden is Cooling Down - Significant Differences Between Industries

The Swedish Lunchbox Hack: Healthy, Protein-Rich, and Just $2

The Swedish Lunchbox Hack: Healthy, Protein-Rich, and Just $2

Poverty is increasing in Sweden - when is one considered materially and socially poor?

Poverty is increasing in Sweden - when is one considered materially and socially poor?

Sweden’s Privacy Paradox: Public Data That Criminals Can Exploit

Sweden’s Privacy Paradox: Public Data That Criminals Can Exploit

82-year-old Swedish TikTok star got 1 million followers in 6 months

82-year-old Swedish TikTok star got 1 million followers in 6 months

With a Strong SEK, More Swedes Fly Long-Haul - Tips to Stay Energized

With a Strong SEK, More Swedes Fly Long-Haul - Tips to Stay Energized

Sweden losing momentum globally in AI development

Sweden losing momentum globally in AI development

Record-breaking interest in Korean festival in Stockholm this weekend

Record-breaking interest in Korean festival in Stockholm this weekend

From Sweden to Silicon Valley: The Journey of Klarna's Founder

From Sweden to Silicon Valley: The Journey of Klarna's Founder

Stockholm Travel Guide 2025: Experience the Best of the City

Stockholm Travel Guide 2025: Experience the Best of the City

10 Stunning Places to Visit in Sweden This Late Summer August 2025

10 Stunning Places to Visit in Sweden This Late Summer August 2025

High Restaurant Hygiene and Food Safety in Sweden - Good for Tourists

High Restaurant Hygiene and Food Safety in Sweden - Good for Tourists

The Swedish Currency Revenge: What it means for your wallet and summer plans.

The Swedish Currency Revenge: What it means for your wallet and summer plans.

 Must-See in Stockholm, Sweden: Visit ABBA The Museum

Must-See in Stockholm, Sweden: Visit ABBA The Museum

Arlanda Stockholm Ranks 77th in 2025 Skytrax Survey: Proposals to Boost Its Competitiveness

Arlanda Stockholm Ranks 77th in 2025 Skytrax Survey: Proposals to Boost Its Competitiveness

Series on Swedish Sports - Orienteering a Scandinavian Invention

Series on Swedish Sports - Orienteering a Scandinavian Invention

Swedish national anthem lyrics - with translation

Swedish national anthem lyrics - with translation

Stockholm Rewrites the Global Tech Playbook with an AI Startup Surge

Stockholm Rewrites the Global Tech Playbook with an AI Startup Surge

All You Need to Know About CSN 2025 : Amount, Income Limit, and Higher Grant

All You Need to Know About CSN 2025 : Amount, Income Limit, and Higher Grant