| An
interesting point to mention is that Sweden does not look
at strict environmental policies as a hindrance; instead,
the policies are based on the idea that ecological sustainability
is a powerful force for growth and development. The transformation
into an ecologically sustainable society requires new solutions,
modern technologies, new materials, different means of transport
and innovative ways of producing energy.
For more
information on Sweden’s environmental policies, check
out the Swedish
Environmental Protection Agency.
The
Swedish Welfare System
Gender
equality
The Swedish
welfare state is based on a dual breadwinner model, meaning
that both the man and the woman work to provide income to
the family. This is a gender-neutral concept of social citizenship.
This dual breadwinner model contrasts sharply with the predominant
European welfare state model, which was designed around the
single (male) breadwinner.
The legislation
in the field of gender equality aims at creating equal conditions
for men and women with regards to both pay and career opportunities.
Aside from the special circumstances that childbirth brings
married women are covered by the same legislative policies
that apply to men. The state also uses separate taxation,
generous public day-care provision for pre-school children
and extensive programs of parental leave to give parents a
better chance of combining work with their joint responsibility
to their children.
Sweden
can claim to be the champion when it comes to gender equality
in the field of politics. After the general election in 1998,
42.7 per cent of the members of the Riksdag (Swedish parliament)
were women. This is the highest percentage of women political
representatives anywhere in the world.
Gender
equality policy objectives
The Swedish
government recognizes that women and men shall have the same
opportunities, rights and responsibilities in all significant
areas of life:
•
Equal division of power and influence between women and men.
• The same opportunities for women and men to achieve
economic independence.
• Equal terms and conditions for women and men with
respect to owning their own business, work, employment conditions
and career development opportunities.
• Equal access for girls and boys, women and men to
education and the development of personal ambitions, interests
and talents.
• Shared responsibility for work in the home and with
children.
• Freedom from sexual (gender-related) violence.
Family
policy
Family
policies promote opportunities for both parents to combine
their work with joint responsibility for their children. Childcare
has been a priority issue in Sweden for almost three decades.
The goal is to offer high quality childcare services and access
to places at childcare centres for all who need them. In 1985
the Riksdag made the decision that all children from the age
of 18 months and up to school age should have access to a
place in the pre-school program. This does not mean, however,
that families are required to use the daycare services.
Substantial
amounts are being invested in family policies such as increased
child allowance, extended parental insurance and lower charges
in the child care services, just to name a few.
• Child allowance – the objective of this allowance
is to level out costs between those who have children and
those who do not.
• Parental insurance - provides parents with 80% of
their income for 360 days and are entitled to an additional
90 days parental leave. Almost all fathers as well as mothers
in Sweden take parental leave. Both mothers and fathers also
stay home from work to take care of a child that is ill.
Swedes
are also invested in ensuring single mothers and their children
are cared for. If a father is absent from the home, he is
required by law to provide a monthly amount to the mother
and children. If the father cannot be located, the government
provides this money.
Elderly
policy
With the
average life expectancy rising and the number of elderly increasing,
a national action plan has been put in place with the following
objectives:
• Elderly can grow old in security and free of anxiety,
with their independence intact,
• Elderly can lead an active life and take part in decisions
affecting the community as a whole as well as their everyday
lives,
• Elderly are met with respect
• Elderly have access to care services of a high standard.
Economy
Industry
The industrialisation
of Sweden began in the second half of the nineteenth century
and raw materials such as iron ore, timber and hydroelectric
power played a major role. Towards the end of the century
inventions and innovations started playing a bigger role in
the economy. This set the foundation for successful engineering
companies.
Currently
the engineering industry and the car manufacturing account
for over 40% of the Swedish industry. The wood, pulp and paper
industry accounts for over 20% while the chemical industry
contributes about 12%. The new information technology industry
is also starting to play a greater role as this area quickly
grows.
Labour
market
The Swedish
economy has the relatively large amount of services produced
in the public sector. The enlargement of the public sector
has created new jobs and laid the foundation for greater participation
by women in the working force. The biggest contributor to
this sector is the public child-care services.
A normal
workweek for full-time employment in Sweden is a 40-hour week.
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