Sweden has developed a list of problems for itself by pushing a feminist agenda during the last few decades, but that hasn’t phased Swedish leaders from trying to infect developing nations all over the world with the controversial policies.
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallström made it a point to emphasize feminism in foreign policy in 2014 to combat sexual violence and increase the number of women participating in politics. Recently the Swedish government released a handbook accessible to the public that explains feminist foreign policy, and is the first country to do so.
First, let’s acknowledge that the concept of feminism put forth by Sweden does not follow the dictionary description entailing gender equality.
Feminism – “the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.”
Swedish politicians will claim they are striving for “gender equality,” but if you have the opportunity to experience Swedish society, you will find that gender equality is far from the case. Instead the feminism put forth is the new concept of feminism that favors women over men, whether it is in politics, media, school or general society. It is common to turn on Swedish government TV and see program after program focusing on women, or to view Swedish award shows where the majority of nominations are women. In commercials and TV programs women tend to have a dominate, controlling and outspoken role, while men are more likely to be quiet and stand to the side.
The new feminist policy in Sweden has had serious consequences on the country’s demographics, policies and social atmosphere, and foreign countries should be aware of these consequences.
Like the United States, Sweden went through a sexual revolution during the ’60s that emboldened women. The United States has experienced similar results as Sweden from this revolution, but the results are much clearer in Sweden since politicians have doubled down on a feminist agenda over time, especially under the leadership of Wallström.
What are the negative results of the “feminist” agenda in Sweden that other countries should be weary of?
- Over representation of women in the government
A recent article from Sverige Radio noted that approximately two-thirds of local government positions are filled by women, and women are still pushing for more representation. It was noted that if this trend continues, in ten years there will only be women working in local government positions. Swedish women are likely to be supporters of left-leaning political parties like Social Democrats, the Green Party or even feminist party Feministisk Initiative, so it can be assumed which direction local policies will go when municipalities have even more female representation in the future. Critical analysis of Sweden’s issues are out, support for bigger government and feel good politics is in!
Documentary “Swedish Theory of Love.” Most of the film is in English, some parts in Swedish.
- More women opting for self-insemination birth, resulting in single parent households and female-only influence on children
According to the documentary “Swedish Theory of Love,” increasing numbers of Swedish women are foregoing the traditional relationship with a male partner and instead are choosing self-insemination birth. Why? The documentary noted that Swedish women have become busy with career and personal goals that they have lost interest and patience in finding a male companion. This means increasing numbers of single parent households with female-only influence. What is the future of the Swedish male if he is raised solely by women?
Even if a Swedish woman does have a child with a male partner, it has become normal to expect that the relationship will end. It is rare that Swedes marry for this reason. This divided relationship model is integrated into Swedish culture, and is featured in Swedish media from TV programs to IKEA commercials.
- Men living childless single lives or importing wives
On the other end of the spectrum, the feminist agenda is leaving increasing numbers of Swedish men to be single and childless, or resorting to importing wives from countries like Thailand and Philippines. It is common to come across Swedish men who have partners or wives from other countries. Some rural Swedish communities have been dubbed “Little Bangkok” because of the Thai population. This phenomenon has sparked all kinds of discussions on the web, and has been featured in various studies. When increasing numbers of women opt to give birth by themselves, this leaves men to find their own partners even if that means importing them.
On a side note, male and female Swedes in general appear to be having an increasingly difficult time with each another. This article published by Local.se in 2011 notes that Swedes bringing partners from overseas increased 30% during the previous four years.
- Population decline
Population decline resulting from the feminist agenda is one of the most striking topics to discuss. If it were not for immigration, Sweden’s population would be in decline like Japan. Population decline poses challenges not only for the Swedish society, but also for the economy which is very dependent on taxing Swedish citizens. Some Swedish politicians even justified mass migration by stating that it would boost population and ultimately boost the economy.
Clearly there are massive consequences that have resulted from Sweden’s feminist agenda, yet Sweden has made it a point to push this agenda on other countries. Developing countries could use insight on developing women’s rights, but I do not consider Sweden to be the country to lead the way.
Lauren Ell is an American blogger born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Sweden. She discusses Epilepsy, Politics and Fun. Professionally Ell is an Online Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant. She is also founder and president of Republican Atheists and GunSafetySociety.org. Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.