While gender equality is a fundamental value in the Nordic countries, their rate of violence against women is higher than in other European countries.
Appearances can be deceiving. When it comes to gender equality, the Nordic countries are the most concerned. In the World Economic Forum’s latest annual report, released last November, they remained the top performers on gender equality – both in the workplace and in the private sector. Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden occupied the top four places in the standings.
However, in a study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, sociologists from the University of Valencia (Spain) highlight a modern paradox. In these Nordic countries, while gender equality is a fundamental value, rates of domestic violence remain significantly higher than in their European neighbors. A contraction that is complex to detect, which the Spanish authors nickname “Nordic paradox”. The theory that gender equality leads to a reduction in domestic violence is therefore called into question.
Higher prevalence in Finland
The average prevalence rate, set at 22% by the European Union, reaches 32% in Denmark and 30% in Finland. And meanwhile, European countries – like Portugal, Italy and Greece – which are not readily granted gender equality status, have significantly lower levels. domestic violence.
“A high prevalence rate of domestic violence, with a high level of equality between the sexes seems contradictory, especially in the Nordic countries”, is surprised Prof. Enrique Gracia, co-author of the study. Its astonishing report calls for an examination of this modern paradox.
“It is necessary to understand why and how gender equality affects violence. If there is a direct link, it will be essential to study it, ”he continues. A paradox which also reveals the heavy omerta around violence against women. In fact, the average rates calculated by the European Union only include complaints lodged by victims, and statistics established by groups of researchers. Domestic violence behind closed doors, silent, cannot therefore be apprehended.
Contradictory figures
To explain this contradictory phenomenon, the researchers evoke the greater freedom of speech of women in the Nordic countries. Because, who says equality of the sexes also means freedom of speech. When they are victims of violence, Nordic women are more numerous and likely to appeal to justice to denounce the abuse, suggest the researchers.
However, the figures keep contradicting each other, so they should be taken with the utmost caution. In a survey, the EU revealed that Nordic women lodged fewer complaints of domestic violence than women in other European countries. An endless debate therefore.
Nevertheless, researchers at the University of Valencia are keen to push their investigation. For them, “the Nordic paradox can provide a means to orient new research on domestic violence”.
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