jämlik

Jämlik is a Swedish adjective meaning equal or on par, used to describe people, groups, or conditions that have the same status, value, or rights. The related noun form is jämlikhet (equality), and common compounds include jämlik vård (equal healthcare) and jämlik utbildning (equal education). The word stems from jäm- meaning “even” or “same” and the suffix -lik meaning “like” or “similar.”

Jämlik is widely used in public discourse and policy to express the aim of ensuring non-discrimination and equal access to services, opportunities, and rights regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, or other characteristics. It is distinct from jämställd, which specifically denotes gender equality, and from concepts like likvärdighet and likvärdig vård, which emphasize equity and matching outcomes to individuals’ needs rather than identical treatment.

In practical use, jämlik can describe a situation, condition, or relationship that is balanced and fair. Within constitutional and legal discussions in Sweden, the principle of jämlikhet underpins assurances of equal treatment before the law and protections against discrimination, guiding public policy and social programs aimed at reducing disparities. While the term is common in Swedish, it primarily appears in compound phrases or formal writing rather than as a standalone label.