The notion that Sweden's progressive reputation on gender equality is under threat has been underscored by recent polls indicating a sharp divergence in voting intentions between men and women ahead of the upcoming general election. The statistics are striking: according to a survey conducted by Statistics Sweden, published in June, 39% of women expressed support for the left-leaning Social Democrats, compared to just 29% of men. Conversely, a quarter of men stated they would vote for the far-right Sweden Democrats, a stark contrast to the mere 12% of women who would do so.
Political scientists have long noted that this trend – which has been observed since the 1970s – has accelerated in recent years, with the Sweden Democrats increasingly becoming the preferred choice for many male voters. The party's emphasis on economic policies, including lower taxes and reduced immigration, is particularly appealing to men in the private sector, who are often drawn to these issues. In contrast, women across all employment sectors tend to maintain a stronger reliance on a robust welfare state – a phenomenon that can be partly attributed to their continued primary role in caregiving within the private sphere.
Swedish citizens' opinions echo this sentiment, with pharmacy assistant Nelly Ailo suggesting that male voters often prioritise economic self-interest over broader societal benefits. However, others argue that men's concerns are more nuanced, pointing to issues like declining conditions for the unemployed and pensioners under the current government. Ermias Balcha, who works in assisted housing and intends to vote Social Democrat, believes the party could do more to appeal to men.
The Social Democrats have been in opposition since 2018, following the formation of a minority coalition led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's Moderates, which has the support of the Sweden Democrats. If the centre-right coalition wins the next election, Kristersson has indicated that he may invite the far-right party to join government for the first time, promising them significant influence and key ministerial positions – a prospect that has raised concerns about the erosion of Sweden's progressive reputation.