Gender equality in Nordic forest research – A literature review

Abstract

The article reviews and synthetises scientific research in the intersection of gender and the forest sector published during the past 20 years (2004–2023), focusing on the Nordic countries of Finland, Norway and Sweden. The systematic review of 88 scientific articles presents the state of the art of forest and gender-related research and examines how the main issue areas included in the eight key objectives of the European Union Gender Equality Strategy are addressed in the research and the related results. A large share of the reviewed research focused on non-industrial private forest owners, investigating the differences between male and female forest owners with respect to forest ownership, use and management and related objectives and values. A notable gap exists in the research on gender issues in decision making, policies and politics. While policy analyses from gender perspective are important for advancing gender equality and for avoiding unintended consequences, only two studies analysed forest policy from a gender perspective. Furthermore, a better understanding of gendered norms, culture and institutional stickiness that upholds gendered institutions and processes is needed. The politics of gender, i.e., gendered power relations, is a fundamental issue in advancing gender equality but it is not addressed in the reviewed research. The findings from the reviewed studies also emphasise the importance of moving beyond the female/male dichotomy and employing an intersectional approach.