Can gender equality in Sweden survive the European Union? The future of childcare and affirmative action

Swedish women currently enjoy greater gender equality as a result of social welfare policies in effect. As Sweden enters the European Union (EU), however, the future of these policies remains uncertain. In particular, Sweden's traditionally progressive childcare policies and its history of affirmative action have come into question given the increased harmonization pressures. Affirmative action, more so than childcare policies, appears to be at risk within the new EU structure given the sway of the European Court of Justice. Childcare policies are perhaps less at jeopardy because they remain a realm of autonomous Swedish governmental authority. It is important to note, however, that Sweden has only recently entered into the EU and it will take several years of observation and experience to further assess the impact of membership on Swedish domestic policies.