Gender Equality and Career Guidance in a Nordic Context

Abstract

In this chapter we explore how the question of gender equality in the Nordic countries is connected with career guidance. The Nordic welfare states are generally considered to take on a higher degree of responsibility for reducing inequalities than other state forms. Despite gender equality being high on the agenda, we argue that the underlying strong ideology of individual free career choice creates a dilemma for career practitioners on how to approach the issue of gender guidance. We argue that career guidance should take an intersectional perspective and use the examples of Norway and Sweden to highlight the importance of policy goals being followed up with concrete measures.