Scandinavian Model of Equality - Gender, Class, Ethnicity and the Social Welfare State

This course examines how gender equality is understood and practised in the Scandinavian welfare states. You will learn about key debates and developments since the Second World War, including women’s participation in politics and the labour market, and the role of sexuality and identity in shaping social policy. 

The course gives you tools to think critically about equality and social change, using real-world examples from Sweden and its Scandinavian neighbours. 

You will explore topics such as:

• the Scandinavian model of gender equality
• citizenship and political representation
• women’s changing participation in the labour market
• ethnicity, racism and migration
• sexuality, gender identity and the welfare state
• intersectionality: how gender, class, ethnicity and identity interact

The course is a unique opportunity to learn about gender equality and social justice in the Scandinavian context and discuss these issues with students from different parts of the world and different disciplinary backgrounds.  

This is a part-time course worth 7.5 credits. It is taught in English and runs regularly during the second half of the term.

The course is particularly suitable for international students who want to understand Swedish society from a gender perspective, but it is open to all students.

Study environment

The Division of Gender Studies at the Department of Sociology is located in the beautiful Campus Paradis  in central Lund. Our newly renovated building, Gamla lungkliniken, has lecture halls, group rooms and study areas. The Social Sciences Library (Sambib) and the University Library (UB) are also located in the vicinity.

As a student, you are welcome to participate in the division's open seminars and other events.

The course consists of lectures, group work sessions, seminars, film screening and discussions, as well as workshops with our librarian and with the language consultant. All these elements are interrelated and offer different ways to engage with the issues and the literature of the course.

You will read key texts in the field of gender equality and welfare state, including recent contributions. You will read both book chapters and research articles. You will also watch a movie that addresses the questions that we work with during the course.

Assessment is based on a take-home exam, where you will demonstrate your understanding of the course themes and your ability to apply them in analysis. 

This course is a great foundation if you are interested in careers or further study in areas such as gender studies, sociology, political science, social work, or international development. It also provides valuable insights for anyone planning to work in multicultural or policy-focused organisations.

Prerequisites

General eligibility, 60 ECTS credits, and English course 6/B

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 20 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 10 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 70 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 15,625
First payment: SEK 15,625

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.