SVERIGES INSTÄLLNING TILL DIREKTIVET OM BALANS MELLAN ARBETE OCH PRIVATLIV Ett främjande av omhändertagande maskuliniteter?

Abstract

The last two decades, the role of men in the promotion of gender equality has gained a lot of attention in terms of research and policies in the European Union (EU). The deeper involvement of men in caring activities has the potential to promote gender-balanced task divisions. European literature has requested wider definitions of masculinity, in which the concept of “caring masculinity” has been described as a critical form of men's engagement and involvement in gender equality. One of the latest initiatives by the EU to promote men in caring activities is the work-life balance directive. The aim of the study is to examine the perspective of Swedish institutions regarding the directive. The focus is specifically on analyzing the responses of these institutions to the national implementation. The aim is to gain an understanding of Swedish institutions' attitudes towards parental leave and non-transferable months, which are important tools for promoting caring masculinities and gender equality. Additionally, the thesis examines whether these institutions support or hinder caring masculinities. The methodological approach is text analysis and the institutions' responses are used as the primary material. The results indicate that a majority of the institutions promote caring masculinities and have a positive perception of the directive.