The typical gender roles in families have been debated for decades. With the rise of dual-income families, the roles of men and women within the family have changed. Historically, males have been seen as the household breadwinners. Men were expected to pay financially for their families, while women cared for the house and children. As more women have entered the job, these positions have become less strict. Currently, men and women contribute to the family’s income, and gender roles have become less rigid. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the closing of gender equality gaps, US policies may have a bigger impact than Sweden’s.
When both spouses are employed, the issue of who has the greatest influence becomes more complicated. It no longer depends merely on who brings in the highest revenue. Instead, the focus is on who assumes certain duties and obligations inside the family. In many households, men and women share childcare and household tasks equally. Both couples are expected to contribute equally, and conventional gender roles have grown less distinct. In these situations, it is difficult to determine who has the greatest influence since both spouses are essential to the family’s functioning.
Nonetheless, in certain families, one spouse may assume a greater share of responsibility than the other. This may vary from family to family based on individual choice or work schedules. In these situations, the spouse who assumes more responsibility will generally have more influence within the family. This is because they have more influence over the household’s daily routine and decision-making.
Various countries have different regulations regarding maternity and paternity leave, and these laws may considerably influence gender roles within homes. The United States is one of the few developed nations that does not provide employees with paid maternity leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows qualified workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave upon the birth or adoption of a child (US DoL). This leave is only offered to workers who have worked for their company for at least a year and work in a location with at least 50 employees. Sweden, in comparison, boasts one of the world’s most liberal parental leave regimes. Parents are eligible for 480 days of paid leave, of which 90 days are earmarked for each parent (Försäkringskassan).
The disparity in maternity and paternity leave rules between the United States and Sweden substantially affects gender roles inside homes. In the United States, women are often required to take unpaid leave or abandon their employment to care for their children, which may substantially influence their career prospects and earning potential (Romig and Kathleen 1). In contrast, Sweden’s extensive parental leave policy encourages both parents to take time off to care for their children. Both men and women can share childcare duties, which promotes gender equality within the home. In the United States, the absence of paid maternity leave has been connected to a gender wage gap since women often experience career disruptions and are more likely to work part-time after having children (Romig and Kathleen 1).
In conclusion, conventional gender roles within families have evolved dramatically over the last decade, as dual-income homes and flexible gender roles have become more prevalent. When both couples work to make a living, the answer to the issue of who has the greatest influence depends on a number of circumstances, such as the allocation of tasks and responsibilities within the family. The disparities in maternity and paternity leave legislation between the United States and Sweden substantially influence household gender roles. Sweden’s substantial parental leave policy promotes gender equality by encouraging both parents to share the duty of childcare, while the United States’ absence of paid parental leave adds to a gender wage gap and highlights the importance of males.
Works Cited
Försäkringskassan. “Parental Benefit.” Försäkringskassan, Web.
Romig, Kathleen, and Kathleen Bryant. “A national paid leave program would help workers, families.” Center on budget and policy priorities 27 (2021).
United States Department of Labor (US DoL). “Family and Medical Leave Act.” United States Department of Labor, Web.