UNEQUAL PARTNERS: THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICIES IN WESTERN EUROPE

As a general principle, equality of opportunity attracts considerable support. However, such agreement does not extend to definitions of equal opportunity policies or to the need and manner for their implementation. These policies have a variety of both ideological and historical aspects, and patterns of implementation are politically and culturally conditioned. To highlight different approaches to equal opportunity implementation, three countries are compared: France, the United Kingdom and Sweden. Indices of progress for women are presented and performances assessed, as are the instruments and mechanisms of implementation preferred under different regimes. In addition, the influence and actions of the European Community (EC) are considered. Three distinct but not mutually exclusive models of implementation are observed, each with particular benefits and drawbacks. Sweden emerges with the most sustained and effective public policy on equal opportunities, France demonstrates the value of a Ministry of Women, while the potential inherent in Britain's Equal Opportunities Commission and local authority endeavour is thwarted by a lack of political will at central government level.