Understanding Sweden's 'Soft Girl' Trend: A Reflection on Work, Gender Roles, and Mental Health

The recent emergence of the ‘soft girl’ trend in Sweden has drawn attention and sparked debate amidst the country’s long-standing commitment to gender equality. This trend is characterized by young women, particularly those aged 15 to 24, choosing to quit their jobs to adopt a more traditional lifestyle as stay-at-home girlfriends, a choice exemplified by 25-year-old Vilma Larsson.

Larsson, who previously held jobs in various sectors, found happiness after leaving her job to manage her home while her boyfriend works remotely. She describes her life as less stressful and more fulfilling, spending her time engaging in fitness and homemaking. Through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, she shares her experiences, using Swedish hashtags that resonate with her identity, which emphasizes femininity and softness over career ambitions.

The soft girl phenomenon has gained momentum in Sweden despite the country’s policies promoting dual-income households and extensive parental leave systems. A survey by Ungdomsbarometern indicated that the trend is gaining traction among younger girls, with some citing a desire to escape the pressures associated with a fast-paced career-driven lifestyle often epitomized by the ‘girl boss’ movement.

While the trend has been met with mixed reactions, prominent feminist figures like Gudrun Schyman criticize the lifestyle choice as a potential regression in the battle for gender equality, fearing it could undermine the freedoms and rights women have fought hard to achieve. Conversely, supporters of the soft girl trend, including representatives from right-wing parties, argue that personal choice should be respected and that the option to live a traditional lifestyle is a valid pursuit.

Despite fears that the trend may reflect societal issues such as rising stress among young people, the cultural shift toward embracing leisure over work is notable. With a landscape dominated by lifestyle content that glorifies wellness and relaxation over work, the trend aligns with broader movements like ‘quiet quitting’, where individuals disengage from overexertion at their jobs.

Critics express concern that the soft girl trend might encourage women to relinquish their economic independence. However, experts like Shoka Åhrman emphasize the need for awareness regarding the long-term financial implications of stepping away from the workforce. They highlight that while the trend may not significantly impact the overall economy, it signals a deeper conversation about mental health, workload pressures, and the persistent inequalities that continue to affect women in Sweden.

Ultimately, the soft girl trend in Sweden is a complex cultural phenomenon that both reflects and challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the ongoing struggles faced by women in balancing career aspirations with personal well-being.