This text is translated with the assistance of GPT UiO.
The title of Anna Nordnes Helgøy's dissertation is Gender Divisions in Labor and Politics: Causes and Attitudinal Consequences, which she defended last fall.
"Helgøy's doctoral dissertation makes significant contributions to our understanding of the gender-segregated interplay between private and public spheres in society," states the award justification. Furthermore, "The dissertation represents an outstanding contribution to the field of gender and politics, supported by the fact that all four articles included in the dissertation have been published in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals in political science and public policy."
Additionally, "Helgøy's dissertation enhances our understanding of conventional drivers behind gender inequality."
What holds Norway back – even when we have come so far?
– A doctoral degree is a long and arduous process where it takes time to understand if your work is good enough, and receiving something like this is incredibly motivating, Helgøy says.
In her dissertation, she examines gender differences in the division of labour at home, as well as its significance for women's participation in both the workforce and politics. She also explores how inequality in private and public spheres contributes to the formation of attitudes in the welfare state.
– Like most social scientists, I want to ensure that my research provides knowledge on relevant social challenges, so that we can better address them over time. Social inequality in all forms is one such challenge, and I was drawn specifically to gender equality issues during my studies, says Helgøy, who completed both her bachelor's and master's degrees abroad.
– When studying welfare policy from a comparative perspective, Norway and the Nordic countries are often seen as ideals. Therefore, I was surprised when I saw statistics on gendered part-time work patterns and wage disparities in Norway, leading me to investigate what is still holding us back. When we stand on the frontlines of progress, there is no one ahead of us to look to for guidance – thus, research becomes vital.
Women bear the most responsibility, while men perceive their contribution as greater
Helgøy's doctoral research is divided into two parts. The first part examines the effects of gender inequality at home on women's participation in work and politics, while the second explores how gender inequality in both the household and public life can influence attitudes towards the welfare state – specifically concerning family policy.
– My key findings can be grouped into these two sections. In part one, important findings include the first quantitative descriptions of the mental load in Norway, meaning the organizational responsibilities at home. I find that approximately 70 percent of women bear most of the mental load, while men's perceptions tend to skew towards a more equal distribution, Helgøy notes, adding that this inequality may also affect disparities in the labour market and in politics.
– In part two, a crucial finding is that the dynamics uncovered in the first part also affect attitudes towards family policy. This is interesting because it means that individuals project these individualized experiences into a broader societal context, leading to political preferences that uphold their own life situation, she explains.
This suggests that certain strong gender dynamics in our society can be self-reinforcing. For example, she finds that part-time workers, who are predominantly women, tend to prefer a more conservative family policy that prioritizes individual choices over equality – possibly enabling their part-time work arrangements in the first place.
We must measure ourselves against higher standards of equality
Anna Nordnes Helgøy emphasizes the need for further research – both on gender inequality in the mental load and on attitudes toward family and equality policies. She points out that her dissertation raises several unanswered questions and that there is a need for more data to explore these dynamics using various methods across different countries.
– I also believe we should aim to measure ourselves against ever-higher standards of equality and research gender inequality that is relevant to our context. Equality in the mental load, for example, can be seen as a step beyond merely prioritizing equality in physical household chores, says the gold medallist.
As a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Political Science at the University of Oslo, she will continue her investigation into this theme.
– During my defence, one of my opponents asked whether equality in the mental load marks the end of public policy’s potential. I am eager to find out by studying what happens to the amount of cognitive labour over time, and whether we can derive answers on how to achieve greater equality in this regard, Helgøy states.
She intends to further study factors that contribute to achieving more equitable gender roles in the home and how family policies can support this equality.
– Family policy is an incredibly fascinating field because it encompasses politics that regulates issues historically viewed as private, making people wearier of the state's role. I find this tension very interesting, concludes Anna Nordnes Helgøy.