Gender Issues (Nordic paradox)

Introduction

There is a big challenge for the closing the gender pay gap. 

If a woman earns more than her husband/ partner, it's almost certain to cause problems

“... according to ANU research, there is a 35% increased likelihood of domestic violence when women earn more than their male partners…”

Tom Burton, 2024

This has been called the Nordic Paradox

“... despite strong gender equity across all the Nordic countries, violence against women still remains high - about a third higher than the average of other European countries and about 20% higher than Australia…” 

Tom Burton, 2024

The reasons for this are still being investigated.

“...Closing gender pay gaps fuels domestic violence, pointing to deeper challenges to stop this societal scourge……This requires a highly disciplined multi- agency approach that brings law enforcement, social services, health, education and the financial services portfolio together…”

Tom Burton, 2024

Getting this multi-disciplinary/agency approach is not easy in a traditional Westminster model of government built around jurisdictions, portfolios and specialist agencies. 

Some indications that this is a problem include 

“...protection orders, financial coercion indicators, mental health issues, cognitive impairment from brain damage, alcohol and drug abuse, child safety warnings….”

Tom Burton, 2024