likställning

Likställning is a Swedish term referring to the principle that individuals and groups should be treated equally by public authorities and under the law. It is the idea that laws and administrative decisions should be applied without arbitrary bias and with justification for any differential treatment. The concept covers precautionary equality in the application of rules as well as the distribution of benefits and services.

Legal basis and scope: In Sweden, likställning is embedded in constitutional norms and administrative practice. It underpins how laws are applied, how public decisions are reasoned, and how access to services and benefits is granted. It is reinforced by anti-discrimination provisions that prohibit unequal treatment on grounds such as sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or other status. The concept also resonates with international human rights norms on equal protection and non-discrimination.

Formal versus substantive equality: Formal equality aims for the same rules for everyone, while substantive equality acknowledges that equal treatment may require different measures to achieve real equality of opportunity and outcome. Examples include accessibility adaptations for people with disabilities, targeted support to reduce disadvantage, or proportional consideration in affirmative action policies where lawful and necessary.

Application and challenges: In practice, likställning requires neutral reasoning, transparent decision-making, and proportionality in balancing interests. It is often tested in courts and administrative reviews, where authorities must show that differences in treatment serve legitimate aims and are appropriate and necessary.

See also: equal protection under the law, anti-discrimination legislation, gender equality, human rights.