„Perhaps it’s not problematic that some women leave academic research.“

Ulrika Björkstén is the Secretary General of Public and Science in Sweden, an organization dedicated to fostering dialogue between researchers and the public, including groups such as schoolteachers and politicians. With nearly 30 years of experience in science journalism, she has worked extensively in radio, television, and print, including 15 years at Swedish Science Radio, where she also served as a science commentator during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ulrika holds a PhD in solar energy technology from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, where she conducted research in a predominantly male-dominated technology department. Her expertise lies in bridging the gap between science and society, making scientific knowledge accessible and inclusive

How would you describe the governmental measures for supporting women in science in Sweden?

I’m not sure if I have a complete overview of all measures, but I can share my perspective. Compared to countries like Germany or Switzerland, I believe Sweden has made more progress. However, I’m not certain if we are ahead of every European country, such as France for example, which historically has been strong in gender equality in science. One major difference in Sweden is the robust support the state provides to families. This includes encouraging fathers to take an active role in parenting, which, in turn, supports women’s participation in the workforce. I think this family-friendly environment is a significant governmental measure that advances gender equality. It’s not necessarily about having specific programs targeting women in science; it’s more about creating conditions where both men and women can work while also enabling men to take parental leave. This levels the playing field in terms of competition and facilitates women’s careers in science.

Why do you think it is like that in Sweden?

It’s rooted in tradition. There’s an interesting triangular framework often used to explain this. It positions Nordic countries, Saxon countries, and Germanic countries as functioning differently. Another triangle places family, society, and the individual at its points. In the Nordic model, the individual and society join forces to relieve the family of certain obligations. In Germany, the state and family align to control the individual, while in Anglo-Saxon countries, the individual and family work together to limit the state. This is, of course, an exaggerated model, often seen as a joke, but it does reflect underlying cultural differences. In Sweden, the idea of a strong state empowering individuals to pursue their goals—including balancing work and family life—is deeply ingrained. Historically, Sweden’s emphasis on gender equality stems from its social democratic roots and the country’s past as a poor, rural nation where everyone had to work to survive. Unlike in wealthier nations with traditional “luxury housewives,” Sweden’s small cities and agrarian lifestyle necessitated that men and women share responsibilities.

What challenges do you still see regarding women in science in Sweden?

Interestingly, men and women in Scandinavian countries tend to make more traditional career choices than in countries with seemingly less gender equality. For example, it’s harder to attract Swedish women to physics compared to women in southeastern Europe, where gender equality may appear worse on the surface. Some immigrant groups in Sweden, especially women, are more represented in science. This suggests the issue is complex and not solved solely by providing equal opportunities. There is a „funnel“ effect in academia. At the university level, the gender balance in science is nearly equal, but as you move up the career ladder, fewer women remain. Something is pushing women out of the academic path. I consider myself an example. While women are well-represented in science journalism in Sweden, I sometimes hear debates about the lack of men in the field. It’s a delicate topic, as aiming for completely equal outcomes may overlook personal choices. Perhaps it’s not problematic that some women leave academic research; it could even be beneficial for scientific knowledge to permeate other parts of society.

What do you think about specific quotas concerning women in science?

Quotas are a complex issue. They can be helpful to break entrenched patterns, but there are also risks. Focusing too much on gender can sometimes backfire. It’s essential to strike the right balance.

How dependent do you think these measures are on the political orientation of the government? Do you see risks for gender equality given the current right-wing shift in Sweden?

There is certainly a backlash in gender equality right now. It’s not a priority for the current government. Growing up in the 1970s, I felt that gender equality meant you could be whatever you wanted, regardless of sex. Back then, there wasn’t this modern distinction between sex and gender. I understand this is a sensitive topic for younger generations, but I sometimes feel that the current focus on gender narrows individual freedom. For instance, if a girl prefers short hair and jeans, it shouldn’t lead to questions about her identity as a woman. This overemphasis on gender, in my view, contributes to the backlash. Many cultural forces are at play, creating a significant shift away from the inclusive ethos of the 1970s and 1980s, where gender was just one part of identity. I worry about this narrowing focus and its implications for equality.

Do you think the situation for women in science in Sweden will improve in the future, considering the current political climate?

Looking at statistics, there has been steady progress in increasing women’s participation in science. I don’t think political measures will stop this momentum. The biggest risk would be changes to Sweden’s family policies—for instance, reducing shared parental leave in favor of more traditional maternity leave. That could lead to a significant setback. However, we’re not there yet, and I believe the current momentum in science will continue despite political challenges. That said, this is just my personal view.