A Political Niche: Denmark's Equal Status Council

Abstract

The organizations, activities, & responsibilities of Denmark's Equal Status Council (DESC), created in the 1970s, are described. DESC is the focus for feminist operations in the state, & the dominant agency for legislation on gender equality. DESC grew out of great controversy about women's role in society as homemaker vs worker, so in composing DESC, multiple sides of the debate had to be represented. The strategies & ideology of DESC have largely been influenced by women's organizations, especially since 1988. Even though these organizations are rivals in attracting members, they share similar perceptions of the tactics for embracing women's interests. The outcomes for DESC have been ambiguous; they have increased gender equality, but other areas vital for women's status & well-being have remained outside their scope. M. Pflum