The following article highlights some stark differences in the gender gap between countries like the US and the UK versus Nordic countries such as Finland and Sweden.

In Finland for instance, it is reported that fathers spend more time with their children than mothers and this is partly the result of additional support for paternity leave. This is in contrast to the US where some companies don’t offer maternity or paternity leave. Furthermore, the government offer 12 weeks paid leave to mothers only.

The Finnish government are firmly behind supporting families and believe that fathers play an important role in child development. Fathers are offered nine weeks of paid leave and are paid 70% of their salary.

So rather than the American Dream, perhaps we should consider instead ‘The Nordic Dream?'

This article links to the Families and Households, Culture and Identity, Global Development and Work, Poverty and Welfare topics within the course specification.

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The Nordic Dream

Sarah Best

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