In Denmark, the roles of men and women in society are actually fairly equal. My mother, who is from Denmark, told me that both men and women can take maternity (parental) leave after their child is born. Mothers can take 4 weeks of maternity leave before the birth of the baby as well as 14 weeks after birth, while fathers are also allowed to take 2 weeks of paternity leave within the first 14 weeks after birth. Each parent is entitled to 32 weeks of parental leave. According to the European Union, "the Danish parental leave system is among the most generous and flexible in the EU". I think this is an amazing form of equality because it allows fathers to take more of a parental role and be more active in their child's lives. In many countries, it seems that the father is often the more absent from his child's life, but this could be because he is missing important bonding experiences in the first couple weeks after birth. Danes have more flexible gender roles, since they are considered to be a more "feminine culture". According to Zoe Weiner, a feminine society is one that is "traditionally seen to emphasize good relations, cooperation, charity, and modesty", where family and safety are the most important values. Male/female relationships start at younger ages in Denmark and are encouraged, whereas in America it is sometimes a difficult topic. There are fewer gender specific stereotypes in Denmark, which helps to make the gender gap even smaller. This lack of stereotyping and gender roles allows people to not feel as pressured to fit the idea of what is masculine and what is feminine. It also allows both men and women to express themselves freely without worrying about criticism or negative reactions. Denmark's masculinity index is very low. According to Geert-Hofstede, "The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (Masculine) or liking what you do (Feminine)". Since Denmark scored a 16, this means that they are considered a Feminine society, which means they value life/work balance. This means that both men and women will go to work as well as participate in family life, both to the best of their ability. Work is not considered more important than family and the same vice-versa, and neither is considered to be the duty of one gender. According to DePauw University, “women are highly respected in business, generally receive equal pay, and have access to senior positions” in Denmark. The role of the housewife has almost disappeared in Denmark. With more women in the workplace, men are "more actively involved in child-rearing activities than in many countries, although the division of domestic chores is similar to other developed countries" (Commisceo Global Consultancy Ltd). Again, this shows how truly gender equality oriented Denmark is. Denmark seems to be one of the most balanced countries in the world when it comes to gender equality. Without the stereotypical roles and expectations for men and women, they are allowed to be who they want to be and feel less competitive and separated from the opposite gender. Works Cited: Denmark. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from https://geert-hofstede.com/denmark.html Denmark: Creating proactive policies supporting vulnerable children and their families. (2016, March 10). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://europa.eu/epic/countries/denmark/index_en.htm Gender Roles. (2005, December 6). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://acad.depauw.edu/~mkfinney/teaching/Com227/culturalportfolios/Denmark/genderroles.html Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/denmark-guide Zoe Weiner March 12, 2012 2 comments. (n.d.). Love and Relationships in the "Happiest Country in the World" Retrieved September 27, 2016, from https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/posts/love-and-relationships-in-the-happiest-country-in-the-world
2 Comments
Haley Silva
10/26/2016 11:05:14 pm
Hi Alex! This was very interesting. I really like the fact that men and women in this country are pretty much seen as equals. I am researching the Philippines and it is the opposite where the med and women are not seen as equals so it is a nice change and interesting to read about a country that are seen as equals. I did not not know that the father also receives a parental leave. I think that is great that the father is allowed the option to stay home for awhile to not only bond with the mother and child but also to take more responsibility for the child in the first few weeks so that it is not all on the mother and both are working together. I would agree with you that this country is very balanced and the people may be who they want to be. I have a friend who lives in this country and it is beautiful and such an fascinating country. I would love to visit one day!
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11/3/2016 01:23:48 pm
Hello! I thought it was interesting how you mentioned that Denmark has a feminine culture. I think it is great how society is fairly equal towards gender. As a women and future parent, maternity leave is crucial, but I think it is great how both parents are able to take maternity leave! I love how Denmark's culture has a great balance of both family and work life.
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Author: Alex Schuler20 years old, from Arizona. Studying Special Education & Elementary Education (BAE). Archives
November 2016
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