The Rise of Soft Girls: Young Swedish Women's Retreat from Work

Amidst Sweden's longstanding commitment to gender equality, a surprising trend has emerged as young women increasingly identify as "soft girls," choosing to leave work behind for a more leisurely lifestyle supported by their partners. This article explores the implications of this phenomenon, its roots, and the differing perspectives surrounding it.

 

In a nation renowned for its dedication to gender equality, a peculiar trend has emerged among young Swedish women: many are stepping away from the workforce to embrace a lifestyle dubbed "soft girl." This term generally refers to women who choose to live a more leisurely existence, often supported financially by their partners.

One such example is 25-year-old Vilma Larsson, who has taken on the title of "stay-at-home-girlfriend" since quitting her jobs at a grocery store, a care home, and a factory. "My life is softer. I am not struggling. I am not very stressed," she affirms. Her boyfriend, a remote finance worker, provides her with a monthly allowance while she enjoys activities such as exercising, dining out, and cooking.

Larsson actively shares her experiences on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, amassing a following that resonates with her approach to life. Using hashtags like “hemmaflickvän” (stay-at-home girlfriend) and “hemmafru” (housewife), she describes herself as a "soft girl," eschewing the conventional career-driven mindset.

This soft girl phenomenon is gaining traction, notably highlighted in findings from Ungdomsbarometern, Sweden’s largest survey of young people. The trend was notably favored by 15 to 24-year-olds when predicting lifestyle trends for the upcoming year. Furthermore, a recent study revealed that 14% of younger schoolgirls aspire to embody the soft girl lifestyle.

Johanna Göransson, a researcher at Ungdomsbarometern, suggests that this trend represents a departure from the demanding "girl boss" mentality that has dominated in recent years. Observations from young women indicate a desire to alleviate the pressures of success and the burdens that come from juggling careers alongside familial responsibilities. As Larsson noted, watching the challenges her mother, sister, and grandmother faced in balancing work and home life prompts her to seek a different path.

This cultural shift has sparked debate across Sweden, with concerns raised by figures like Gudrun Schyman, co-founder of the Feministiskt initiativ party. Schyman argues that the trend of women relying on their partners' finances poses risks to gender equality, suggesting it may be a reflection of growing right-wing sentiments influencing young women’s choices today.

Countering this view, Denice Westerberg of the Sweden Democrats' youth wing supports the right of individuals to determine their own lifestyles, indicating that this decision can still coincide with pursuing careers if desired.

Despite Sweden's strong policies aimed at fostering dual-income households, significant inequalities persist, as women often shoulder more housework and childcare, receive the majority of parental leave, and experience higher rates of job-related stress. With the gender pay gap stagnating around 10% since 2019, experts, including economist Shoka Åhrman, caution that while the current soft girl trend may not have a notable economic impact, it raises alarms about the mental health pressures young women face.

In summary, the soft girl phenomenon challenges traditional narratives around gender roles and work in Sweden, mingling with public sentiments and societal expectations. As discussions continue about these emerging trends, advocates highlight the need for ongoing efforts to promote equality and address the root causes of the challenges faced by women today.