Sweden prides itself on equality – so why is its political gender gap growing?
This article examines the growing political gender gap in Sweden, where men and women are increasingly supporting opposing political blocs. It highlights how the far-right Sweden Democrats attract significantly more male voters, while the Social Democrats maintain a strong lead among women.
Why it matters
It illustrates a global trend of gender-based political polarization, challenging the assumption that highly gender-equal societies are immune to such divisions.
Which party Swedes are most likely to back when they go to the polls could depend in part on their gender./Getty Images Which party Swedes are most likely to back when they go to the polls could depend in part on their gender./Getty Images Sweden Analysis Sweden prides itself on equality – so why is its political gender gap growing? Miranda Bryant in Södertälje As general election looms, survey shows twice as many men as women support far-right Sweden Democrats
One is led by Sweden’s first female prime minister, Magdalena Andersson , and has promised smaller school-class sizes, more housing and free dental care for young people. The other, led by Jimmie Åkesson , has neo-Nazi roots and has pledged to lower taxes, improve public safety and treat “anti-Swedishness” as a hate crime.
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