Sign up for the editor's
weekly newsletter
- Sweden edition
- Change edition:
- France |
- Germany |
- Norway |
- Switzerland
Reader Offer
May 26, 2012
Sweden bans university affirmative action
Published: 18 Mar 10 14:14 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/25604/20100318/
The Swedish government has announced that from August 1st it will no longer be permitted to favour prospective university students by virtue of their gender.
- Support for file sharing remains high in Sweden (19 May 12)
- City slammed for 'special treatment' of Muslim kids (11 May 12)
- Landlord: 'Two guys can't live together' (31 Mar 12)
The Minister for Higher Education and Research, Tobias Krantz, underlined the importance of the principle that all individuals be treated equally regardless of their gender.
To exclude motivated and higher qualified women in the university admissions process is naive, Krantz said.
The background to the decision lies in cases such as one involving a group of students at Lund University who were awarded compensation in February for having been denied places to study psychology due to their gender.
The university settled out of court with the 24 women, who were each awarded 35,000 kronor ($5,000) in damages.
In a similar case, the Svea Court of Appeal ruled in December that it was illegal for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala to prioritize men for its veterinary education programme.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Fark It!
Digg This
Share everywhere
Send to a friend
Printable version
Twitter ThisToday's headlines
Woman jailed for fatal love-triangle stabbing
A jealous Swedish woman who murdered her ex-boyfriend’s new partner in September has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. READ (13 COMMENTS) »
'Retard doll' shocks Swedish shoppers
A doll billed as a "real retard" found its way into stores in Gothenburg in western Sweden on Thursday, prompting strong reactions about a campaign meant to draw attention to the treatment of people with disabilities. READ (10 COMMENTS) »
THE LOCAL LIST
Ten signs that you've 'gone native' in Sweden
After having lived in Sweden for a certain number of years, many ex-pats start asking, “Am I going native or what?” Check out The Local's guide to tell-tale signs that you may be more integrated into Swedish society than you first realized. READ (13 COMMENTS) »
EUROVISION SONG CONTEST
UK wildlife park animals catch ‘Euphoria’ fever
The Paradise Wildlife Park in the UK has pledged their allegiance to Sweden in the Eurovision song contest by making their own film version of Loreen’s “Euphoria” – complete with dancing animals. READ »
Swedish school reported over 'holy' yoga lessons
The "om" chant featured in yoga lessons at a Stockholm school has prompted a complaint calling for them to be banned because of the term's ties to the Hindu religion. READ (20 COMMENTS) »
Swedish police 'worst' in Scandinavia
Swedish police are the worst in Scandinavia when it comes to clearing up home break-ins, a crime which has increased dramatically in Sweden in recent years. READ (14 COMMENTS) »
Stockholmers stranded as outage stops trains
Thousands of Stockholm-area residents had their morning commutes disrupted on Friday after a power outage left trains at a standstill. By midday, however, trains were back in operation. READ (3 COMMENTS) »
Fire engines delayed by giant flower pots
Three fire engines trying to get to a fire in central Gothenburg on Wednesday were delayed after large flower pots placed in the street proved to be immovable. READ (3 COMMENTS) »
More Education
- 25/05 Swedish school reported over 'holy' yoga lessons (20 comments) »
- 24/05 'Okay for teachers to hit students': Swedish court (19 comments) »
- 23/05 Non-EU students drop Swedish unis as fees bite (41 comments) »
- 11/05 City slammed for 'special treatment' of Muslim kids »
- 11/05 Scientologists push anti-drug classes in schools (18 comments) »
- 08/05 'Immigrant kids need more schooling': Sweden (49 comments) »
- 03/05 Professor reported for grading son's exam twice (4 comments) »
- 02/05 Preschool teacher locked toddlers in dryer (3 comments) »
- 02/05 Armed Forces degrees go 'unused' by students (2 comments) »
- 27/04 Swedish teacher risks sack for student bets (3 comments) »
Meet Sanna, 9 years old
Sanna is one of 2 million people in Sweden under the age of 18. Sweden is seen as a good place to grow up. The law makes sure children are well-protected and defends their rights and any organizations work with children's well-being. Read more »
Strindberg, king of drama
August Strindberg's plays shocked society, dazzled audiences and revolutionized drama. A century after his death, Strindberg, with his powerful, timeless themes, is celebrated around the world. Read more »
Find a new job in Sweden now
| 25/05 | Ansvarig Säljare för UtomhusbelysningGE Home & Business Solutions | Stockholm |
| 25/05 | Automation EngineerBombardier Transportation | Västmanland |
| 25/05 | Brand Protection Specialist - Online Intellectual PropertyMelbourne IT Digital Brand Services | Stockholm |
| 25/05 | Business ControllerSwedbank | Stockholm |
| 25/05 | Business ManagerMichael page | Västra Götaland |
| 25/05 | Business ManagerMichael Page | Göteborg |
Blog Update: Snuggling With the Enemy
The story of K Composite Magazine »
"I’m working on a couple long articles which will be posted here soon. While those are in the works, I thought I’d share this article and interview about my magazine, K Composite, which was recently published on the site Design-Milk.com. Enjoy! Scott Ritcher launched his now digitally glossy mag, K Composite, back when Macs were used..." READ »
- 23/5 16:27 Prime Minister Reinfeldt chats with The Local (The Local's Blog)
- 18/5 10:55 The answer is in the seed bag (Julie's Nordic Island)
- 11/5 20:19 Back in Stockholm (They Call Me Sweden)
Highlights
|
|
Swedish word of the day
lång
adjective
Lång means long, tall and can be used for height, distance or time.
Latest news from The Local in Germany
- 25/05 Special Olympics deliver pure gold in Munich »
- 25/05 'Homeless billionaire' to rescue drugstore chain »
More news from Germany at thelocal.de
Latest news from The Local in Switzerland
- 26/03 Swiss customs seize Roman sarcophagus »
- 26/03 Roche extends hostile $5.7 billion Illumina bid »
More news from Switzerland at thelocal.ch
Latest news from The Local in France
- 26/03 Sarkozy bans controversial cleric »
- 26/03 Toulouse gunman divorces wife hours before assault »
More news from France at thelocal.fr
Latest news from The Local in Norway
More news from Norway at thelocal.no
Blog
New book about Sweden – get to know the country
Sweden – Up North, Down to Earth is a book about Sweden today. A country of natural beauty and open space, and a society focused on equality, human rights and sustainability. Meet regular and astonishing Swedes, supercars and indie rock bands, vampires and royalties.
Buy your copy of Sweden – Up North, Down to Earth from Sweden Bookshop
In cooperation with DoToday
Register
Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss
Noticeboard
- 23/05 piano lessons
- 23/05 Seeking helper for Posting parcels at postal office
- 22/05 Coffee-maker
- 22/05 Pet sitter available in Gotene and Lidkoping
- 22/05 apartment in Lund wanted
- 22/05 Musicians wanted
Discuss
- 02:48 Swedish property market
- 02:47 Help...Any Amusement Arcade in Stockholm?
- 02:33 Am I in trouble? Or did I miss to do something?
- 02:30 Rosetta Stone Opinions
- 21:42 Football in Stockholm?
- 21:11 In a nutshell, My weight is my problem?
- 21:10 Tax/working holiday visa
- 20:50 Culture differences - Britain-Sweden
- 20:49 Good-High End restaraunts in Gothenburg
- 19:54 Eyebrow threading in Malmö!
Doctor of Psychology
Therapy in English in Stockholm Trained in California Individuals & Couples (08) 93 81 48 FREE phone consultation
Visit anxiousorblue.se
Therapy in English in Stockholm Trained in California Individuals & Couples (08) 93 81 48 FREE phone consultation
Visit anxiousorblue.se
Turning Point Counseling
Turning Point Counselling centre offers the international community of Stockholm a safe space for personal development, counselling and coaching.
http://www.turning-point.se/show.asp
Turning Point Counselling centre offers the international community of Stockholm a safe space for personal development, counselling and coaching.
http://www.turning-point.se/show.asp
Swedish Down Town
Swedish Down Town PR Consulting and Productions is an innovative business company which provides valuable assistance with Public Relations and Communications in the Swedish and the international market.
www.swedishdowntown.com
Swedish Down Town PR Consulting and Productions is an innovative business company which provides valuable assistance with Public Relations and Communications in the Swedish and the international market.
www.swedishdowntown.com
QUALITY ACCOMMODATION ON SWEDISH HIGH COAST
Comfortable Fully Serviced Apartments for Leisure or Business Travel Beautiful surroundings. Internet & Sat TV
www.oldriverhouse.se
Comfortable Fully Serviced Apartments for Leisure or Business Travel Beautiful surroundings. Internet & Sat TV
www.oldriverhouse.se
Volunteer Venture
Volunteer Venture is dedicated to promoting community tourism by welcoming volunteers and travelers to discover the cultural differences in Nepal as English teaching volunteers, orphanage volunteers, Monk teachers and many more
www.volunteerventure.org/
Volunteer Venture is dedicated to promoting community tourism by welcoming volunteers and travelers to discover the cultural differences in Nepal as English teaching volunteers, orphanage volunteers, Monk teachers and many more
www.volunteerventure.org/
The Local's new Marketplace
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
English Speaking Therapist Stockholm
British-Australian Male Counsellor. Counselling Therapy for Depression, Mental Health, Sex, Relationship & Expat Issues
08-559 22 636 or CLICK HERE
British-Australian Male Counsellor. Counselling Therapy for Depression, Mental Health, Sex, Relationship & Expat Issues
08-559 22 636 or CLICK HERE
Your comments about this article:
The comments below have not been moderated in advance and are not produced by The Local unless clearly stated. Readers are responsible for the content of their own comments. Comments that breach our terms and conditions will be removed.
For me the big problem is what proportion of women get into senior posts. I think Sweden is probably pretty good (haven't looked at the data in detail) but it's probably 50%+ women as first year students and 20%- women at professor level.
First thought I have, and I can be totally wrong about this, but wouldn't a solution be to accept an equal amount of male and female students? Or even proportional to existing population?
In my class in University we were 44, from those only 2 were male. My degree was licenciat in Public Relations.
Marketing also had a higher percent of female students.
First thought I have, and I can be totally wrong about this, but wouldn't a solution be to accept an equal amount of male and female students? Or even proportional to existing population?
This is what has now been made illegal - Universities were attempting to rectify gender imbalances but in the case mentioned it meant that some applicants were discarded just for being women..........
One woman had applied to vet school and had incurred substantial student loans to study sciences etc and then found that her application was never even considered because she was a woman
Are you sure it wasn't because of low marks? Or was the vet school in Saudi Arabia? We have all kinds of female vet students in Canada without affirmative action quotas, maybe even over 50%, so I find what you're saying very difficult to believe, assuming you're referring to a Swedish vetrinarian school?
The present social setting discourages girls from studying science. Recently I met a girl who was top in her class in mathematics in secondary school. She told me that she was planning to study economics in the university for the reason that science is not for girls. "it is too difficult", she said. To study economics she needs maths, but the maths requirement is much below the capability of this girl.
If girls are disproportionately under represented in the science field, the policy should assist girls to study science. This should start from primary school. This policy should not prevent individual choices. If you do not do that some of the best brains will be wasted for nothing.
Duh. I should have read that more closely.
How many times were men denied places in Engineering and Business because of THEIR gender.
Fortunately your twisted kind of thinking is exactly what is now left by the government.
For my better understanding of the background of this, I'd like to know when affirmative action was introduced for universities (by the Swedish government presumably). What were the arguments then? What has changed in the meantime so that now it is withdrawn?
Might anyone have a good link for example to an archived newspaper article about the 'history'?
I have a suspicion that I might find that affirmative action was introduced to avoid discrimination against women. However, it was phrased in law in a gender-neutral way. Now it seems that men profit from it for university subjects traditionally dominated by women. This is not accepted and the rule abolished.
Or was it different? Just curious if my suspicion is right.
Affermative action is a terrible thing.
@eddie123 - are you really saying that 25% of a person's ability should be based on geographical area or gender.
Affirmative action = Giving someone preference over other just because of gender, race, ethnicity even when the standards are not met.