Parental Sharing of Childcare Tasks in Sweden

Increased participation of fathers in the upbringing and physical care of children is an important component of the official Swedish program for equality between the sexes. This article reports findings from a random mail survey conducted in Sweden in 1977 that examined the actual sharing of childcare by Swedish parents. Both the extent and determinants of fathers' participation in childcare are examined. Finally, speculations on the prospects for widespread sharing of the childcare role in Sweden are made, based on the findings.