Gender equality and welfare politics in Scandinavia: The limits of political ambition? - Tapa dura

"Overall, this collection provides a welcome addition to existing literature within the genre. Its depth of analysis is obvious, whilst still maintaining a style that is easy to read, even for the novice within this area. ......an interesting and informative book, which adds to the debate on gender equality in modern society." Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, Vol 30:3, 2008 "This is essential reading for anyone concerned about achieving gender equality and the obstacles to it. This book is the best analysis yet of how, historically, the present strengths, weaknesses, differences and similarities emerged in Scandinavian countries, and of the continuous change over time, up to the contemporary challenges to further progress." Pat Thane, Professor of Contemporary British History, Institute of Historical Research, University of London "In this timely collection, leading feminist scholars take a fresh look at Scandinavia's 'woman-friendly' welfare state regimes. This is essential reading for all scholars of gender and welfare politics." Professor Sonya Michel, University of Maryland, USA and founding Co-Editor, Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State and Society

Gender equality is often seen as a hallmark of the Nordic countries. This book explores this notion by examining the meanings of gender that underpin policies in the Scandinavian welfare states, historically and today. The book focuses on three Scandinavian countries - Denmark, Norway and Sweden - and explores the policy reforms that have occurred relating to family and care. Beginning with the radical marriage reform carried through in all the three countries in the early decades of the 20th century, the book progresses to explore contemporary challenges to the traditional model of equality, including equal rights for fathers, multiculturalism and a critical young generation. The book focuses on differences as well as similarities between the countries and discusses the relevance of talking about a Nordic model. Stressing the importance of viewing the concept of equality in its historical context, the book critically investigates and discusses the Scandinavian 'success story' portrayed in normative political theory and presents an historical analysis of the development of gendered citizenship rights. It will be a valuable collection for researchers, lecturers and graduate students who work with historical and contemporary studies on welfare state and gender models from different disciplinary or interdisciplinary perspectives.