Women in Leadership Blog 2
It seems to be human nature to compare and contrast situations, cultures, ways of being, etc. While in Sweden I have found myself comparing and contrasting a lot of the Swedish ways to my own American ways. As mentioned in my 1st women in leadership blog, I started to notice there are a number of families both mothers and fathers pushing strollers and carrying their children around the city. I also have noticed more fathers assuming the responsibility that mothers tend to naturally take on, such as pushing the stroller, feeding the child, and keeping them entertained. In America we do not typically see the father taking on these responsibilities in public, or even participating in the child's life at all. As I recall from the book "Through the Labyrinth" by Eagly and Carli they discuss whether or not family responsibilities hold women back in their careers. The authors suggest that the success of women is hindered by domestic chores, deciding on when or if they should take leave of absence days and maternity leave. They also suggest that "men become more equally involved in the domestic sphere" meaning they equally share housework, childcare, time off from work to help increase the number of successful women in the work place. As I ponder the authors suggestions I began to think "is it really just that simple and easy to do?" Can our society suddenly flip gender roles and allow the men to stay and home and the women switch to being the primary “Breadwinners?” What would be the backlash to this?
Our class had an amazing opportunity to speak Eric who is a political advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs here in Sweden and he spoke about his paternity leave and how it has made a huge difference in his work ethic as well as enhanced his connection to his wife and children. He also mentioned how he was excited and elated that his wife can easily focus on her career goals and not have to worry about the added stress of caring for the children and putting her life on a complete hold to make sure they have all the necessities they need. The idea of paternity leave in America is much more of a taboo rather than a realistic goal. Companies are already hesitant to grant maternity leave to expecting mothers, if they were to implement paternity leave, there is an even greater fear of loosing more money as well as the company loosing valuable members of their team that bring in new clientele. In the Swedish culture paternity leave is very prevalent, widely and strongly encouraged. Companies believe that there will be a greater turn out in the end. When fathers are given this opportunity and it gives women the opportunity to excel to higher positions and gives them the chance establish themselves within their careers. As we explore the Swedish culture more I hope to learn more ways that we can implement this idea into our society. If America were to implement this into the workplace would we really see an increase in women in higher positions? The answer is unknown, but hopefully I can explore their culture more and maybe even devise a plan similar to that of the Swedes and change the way our society views family as a hindrance to women in leadership.
