What's the Problem with Gender Inequality? Poststructural Policy Analysis of Gender Equality Policies from County Administrative Boards in Sweden 2018-2020

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to do a poststructural analysis of gender equality policies from four county administration boards in Sweden. The thesis aims to examine how the policies construct the problem with gender inequality and what subjects, effects and political implication the representation of the problem produces. This thesis theoretical framework is based on theories of poststructuralism and gender as a social construction. To analyze the material, Carols Bacchi’s policy method “What’s the Problem Represented to be?” will be used. The method builds upon the idea that problems in policies are not self-evident or objective, but that policies produce specific representations of the problem. The analysis shows that the policies construct the problem with gender inequality as structures and norms about gender that results in an unequal division of power between women and men. The policies also emphasize knowledge and method as important solutions to gender inequality. Gender inequality is regarded as a human right issue and as a problem for society and the labor markets development. The main subject positions in the policies are the citizen and the worker. Implications of this representation of gender inequality are that women and men are both disadvantaged by gender inequality and that there is a need for people to learn about gender inequality and make better decisions that will help overcome the problem with gender inequality.