Balancing Careers and Family: How Policies Affect Women's Careers in Sweden.

Sweden, 2023

This study examines the career experiences of mothers in dual-income households. They work as managers in a Swedish engineering company. The study focuses on how various contexts influence their career decisions.

Key insights include:

1. National Context: Sweden's parental leave policy affects women's careers. It mandates fathers' involvement in childcare and fosters a family-friendly work culture.

2. Family Context: The study shows that shared childcare is vital for mothers' careers.

3. Organizational Dynamics: Flexible Working Arrangements are crucial. But norms may limit their effectiveness. They can be seen as a sign of low commitment.

4. Industry Ecosystem: The study questions the belief that industry factors mainly shape women's careers. It highlights the greater influence of family and institutional contexts.

5. Policy Implications: The findings show a need for policies that promote gender equality. For example, non-transferable parental leave can change culture by reducing gendered divisions of labour.

Key Take-Away

These insights emphasize the importance of addressing societal expectations and providing support to working mothers to alleviate feelings of guilt and shame.