Køn, magt og beslutninger. Politiske forhandlinger om barselsorlov 1901-2002
(
Gender, power and decisions. Political negotiations on parental leave 1901-2002
)

By Anette Borchorst was published in December 2003.

152 pages, Dkr. 110
Order at Aarhus University Press: www.unipress.dk or +45 8942 5370
 

In 1901, the Danish Parliament passed legislation which rendered four weeks maternity leave compulsory for women working in factories. Through the following 100 years, the leave was prolonged and extended to all women in the labour force. The economic compensation has also been improved considerably. In 1983 fathers became entitled to leave for the first time, and in 1997 a two week “daddy quota” was introduced. In 2002 parental leave was prolonged to 52 weeks.

Who and what have obtained power to influence the political decisions on parental leave during these 100 years? Which impact has the way politicians talk had on the legislation, how has gender been framed, and what have been the consequences for the reconciliation of family and work? These questions are raised and discussed in the book. The overall theme is gender, power and political decisions.

The analysis also discusses the question of why Denmark abolished the two week “daddy quota” based on the argument that the quota was tutelary and violated the freedom of families. It is considered a paradox that Denmark at the same time has the longest “mommy quota” in Scandinavia, which is not framed as interference with families’ freedom of choice. Another paradox relates to the fact that gender is not regarded as a legitimate criterion for regulation of parental leave, at the same time as the leave is included in gender equality legislation.

 

 


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