The Nordic Approach to the Promotion of Equality

The Nordic countries including Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden – have in many ways distinctive approach to development of the welfare state, gender equality and provision for children. The distinctiveness is a result of a long and complicated joint history, including collaboration, shifting borders as well as past wars. Generally Nordic countries were agricultural, and industrialized relatively late – especially Finland. This has had an impact on ways in which issues such as distribution of resources, settlement between the state, employers and trade unions have been negotiated. The position of women has also been marked with similarities, with policies aiming at inclusion of women in the labour market. To make this participation possible, the care and welfare of children needed to be addressed.