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Providing Informal Care in Sweden is Not Just a Women’s Issue

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines existing Swedish population data to investigate the evolving role of men in providing informal care for older adults, challenging the persistent stereotype of men’s limited participation. Our findings consistently show that men in Sweden are active and significant participants in a wide range of caregiving tasks. This involvement is profoundly shaped by the Swedish welfare state and cultural emphasis on gender equality, rather than solely by individual caring masculinities. We argue that the high involvement of Swedish men is a normatively supported outcome of a specific welfare structure. By critically questioning frameworks like caring masculinities and feminist ethics of care, which can inadvertently exclude men’s perspectives, we call for a re-evaluation of how male caregiving is theorized and measured globally. Recognizing these gendered patterns within their societal context is crucial for developing inclusive and equitable policies that support all caregivers.

Source: The Journal of Men s Studies

DOI: 10.1177/10608265251394406

Authors: Veronika Wallroth, Magnus Jegermalm

Institutions: Linköping University, Marie Cederschiöld University

Language: English

Topic: Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400