Nordic Equality and Anti-Discrimination Laws in the Throes of Change: Legal developments in Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Iceland

The Nordic states were among the first to enact general gender equality and anti-discrimination laws, but they have not succeeded in closing the gender gap. This book presents a diverse and complex picture of the long, uneven, and unfinished process towards substantive equality in four Nordic countries. It examines the potentials and limitations of the Nordic gender equality and anti-discrimination law regimes to combat individual discrimination and structural inequality, and their ability to function as a driver of political, legal, economic, cultural, and social change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Nordic region has a long history of pioneering gender equality and anti-discrimination laws, with some of the earliest and most comprehensive measures in the world. These laws have been designed to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, have equal rights and opportunities in society.

However, despite these progressive policies, the Nordic countries still face significant challenges in closing the gender gap. According to the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Index, which measures the gap between men and women in various economic, social, and political indicators, the Nordic countries rank among the top performers globally, but there is still a significant disparity between men and women in terms of income, education, and political representation.

This book aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the long and complex process towards substantive equality in four Nordic countries: Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Iceland. It explores the various gender equality models employed by these countries and examines the potential and limitations of these models in combating individual discrimination and structural inequality.

One of the key features of the Nordic gender equality models is their systematic use of three measures: overarching gender policies, legislation that has an explicit or implicit impact on gender relations, and gender equality and anti-discrimination laws with low-threshold enforcement systems. These measures have been designed to create a comprehensive and integrated approach to gender equality, which aims to address the root causes of gender inequality and promote equal opportunities for all individuals.

However, the book also raises important questions about the potential and limitations of these gender equality and anti-discrimination laws in combating individual discrimination and structural inequality. For example, while these laws have been effective in promoting gender equality in some areas, such as employment and education, they may not be as effective in addressing issues such as gender-based violence and discrimination in the healthcare system. Additionally, weaknesses in the enforcement of these laws and the way they are implemented may hinder efforts to close remaining gender gaps.

To address these challenges, the book situates the development and transformative potential of Nordic gender equality laws and policies within a changing European and international political and legal landscape. It explores the impact of global trends and developments, such as the rise of populism and the backlash against feminist movements, on gender equality policies and practices in the Nordic region. It also examines the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, in promoting gender equality and supporting the Nordic gender equality models.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of gender equality and anti-discrimination laws. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the long and complex process towards substantive equality in four Nordic countries. By exploring the potential and limitations of these gender equality models, the book sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing the Nordic region and other countries in the pursuit of gender equality. It is a must-read for policymakers, activists, and scholars interested in understanding the dynamics of gender equality and the role of law in promoting social change.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032001258