Navigating Gender Inequalities in Working Conditions: Accountable Politicians’ Perspectives on Their Work Environment Responsibility in Swedish Municipal Organizations

Abstract

Swedish municipal organizations exhibit persistent gender inequalities in working conditions, particularly between female-dominated caring occupations and male-dominated technical occupations. Drawing on devaluation theory and New Public Management (NPM) frameworks, this study investigates how politicians, accountable for the work environment of their employees, understand gender inequalities in the working conditions within municipal organizations. The study further explores what, according to the interviewees, may contribute to the reproduction of gender inequalities. Semi-structured interviews with 18 politicians from caring and technical committees revealed widespread awareness of heavier workloads, limited resources, and lower status in caring professions. However, these issues were primarily attributed to organizational culture and structural constraints seen as beyond politicians’ control. While technical sectors generate revenue and enjoy more flexible budgets, caring sectors face stricter financial limits. Emphasis on cost efficiency and hierarchical governance, characteristic of NPM, is cited as a major barrier to substantive reforms, reinforcing systemic undervaluation of women’s work. A need for more proactive political leadership and accountability mechanisms is underscored by the findings to mitigate gender-based disparities in public administration. By illuminating how political decision-making intersects with societal norms and management practices, this study provides new insights into the persistent undervaluation of caring labor in public-sector contexts.