HUR REPRESENTERAS NORMERNA AV FADERSROLLEN I EU-LÄNDERS PROPOSITIONER?

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to explore how the norms related to the father´s role in parental leave has been formulated in the Swedish and Irish policy proposals on the implementation of the EU directive on work-life balance. The aim is to understand what similarities and differences can be found in the policy proposals, as family policies vary across Member States. The methodology used to answer the research questions is based on qualitative methods, and the results and analysis will be based on Carol Bacchi's "What´s the problem represented to be- approach". In all the proposals analyzed in this study there are different outcomes on what fathers can and cannot do based on the guidelines set out in the legislative proposals. Fathers need to take responsibility for care and housework, where gender equality is seen as both a process and a goal. Furthermore, differences can also be found between the documents, in the Swedish proposal there is a completely different representation, it should not be possible to waive parental benefit in favor of the other parent. In this proposal, flexible working arrangements are not discussed but the focus is on the economic aspect of gender equality. The results show that paternity does not challenge the norms that exist in society.