likhetsmål

Likhetsmål is a Swedish term used in political and policy discourse to describe objectives aimed at creating or preserving equality among people or groups. The word combines likhet (equality) with mål (goal or target) and is used across government documents, academic analyses, and public debate to refer to stated intentions to reduce disparities or secure fair treatment.

Contexts include welfare policy, education, labor market policy, healthcare, taxation, and anti-discrimination law, where likhetsmål appear as guiding ambitions or specific targets, such as reducing income gaps, increasing access to services for marginalized groups, or ensuring equal treatment under the law.

Debates distinguish between formal equality (equal treatment in procedures) and substantive equality (equal outcomes). Some argue for equality of opportunity; others push for equality of outcome to counteract structural disadvantage. In practice, likhetsmål are often operationalized through legislation, budget measures, or program evaluation, using indicators such as income distribution (Gini), employment rates by group, educational attainment, or access to services.

Limitations and criticisms include potential conflicts with efficiency, the difficulty of measuring progress, and the risk of symbolic or bureaucratic targets that do not change real conditions.

See also: jämlikhet, likabehandling, likvärdighet, equality policy.