Sociology – Paper 2 – Family roles and changing relationships | e-Consult
Paper 2 – Family roles and changing relationships (1 questions)
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Model Answer:
| Country | Weeks Paid Leave (Total) | % of Fathers Taking Leave | Cultural Norms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 480 (≈12 months) | ≈80 % | Strong egalitarian ideal; state promotes “gender‑equal” parenting. |
| United States | 12 (unpaid, FMLA) + varies by employer | ≈10 % | Traditional breadwinner model; limited public support for paternal leave. |
Sweden’s extensive, gender‑neutral leave scheme, combined with a cultural narrative that values shared parenting, results in high paternal uptake. In contrast, the United States offers minimal statutory leave and retains a cultural expectation that men prioritize work, leading to low paternal participation. Thus, policy design interacts with prevailing gender norms to produce divergent outcomes.