Why Gender Equality in Nordic Countries Doesn’t Lead to More Women in STEM

Untangling the Nordic Gender Equality Paradox

Paradoxically, Nordic countries, which are usually renowned for their egalitarianism as well as devotion to gender equality, exhibit an alarmingly low rate of female involvement in the field of STEM. This fact is all the more surprising when considering that countries with more traditional gender roles, such as Poland and Romania, in fact, have considerably higher rates of female participation in STEM than the Nordic countries. 

This research sheds light on the unexpected Nordic STEM gender gap by examining Eurostat data, and then illustrating that data through interviews which were conducted with members of several Nordic institutions who are active in the field of STEM education.

Conclusion

This report discusses the gender equality paradox in the Nordics is explained. To do so, quantitative data from Eurostat and qualitative information from organizations that contribute to increasing awareness about STEM and the structural underepresentation of women in STEM in particular are employed. The performed interviews have highlighted that three elements are integral in unpacking the nordic gender equality paradox: the national culture and the role of parents and teachers. The underlying factor is the recycling of an unconscious bias that ostracises young girls and women in STEM and ICT specifically. To address this subconscious bias, an array of activities and initiatives are currently in place.

Read more: Untangling the Nordic Gender Equality Paradox.pdf - Google Drive