Economic Inequality Growing Among Families in Sweden, Study Shows

STOCKHOLM, 26 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – A recent survey has revealed that one in three single parents in Sweden struggles to provide enough food for their families, as economic inequality continues to rise, with children bearing the heaviest burden.

Ase Henell, secretary general of the charity Majblomman, which combats child poverty, explained that single parents with low incomes are experiencing a particularly dire situation. "We see that single mums and dads, who don’t have substantial incomes, are in an extremely poor situation in Sweden right now," Henell told AFP. "They are forced to choose between food and clothes, and their children miss out on activities like football training or music lessons. They lack a social context," she added.

Sweden has faced several years of high inflation, particularly in food prices, while many families also struggle with heavy mortgage payments due to prolonged periods of high interest rates. The survey, conducted by Verian between January 30 and February 21, found that 29% of single-parent households were having difficulty providing enough food for their families. This marks a sharp rise of nine percentage points compared to 2024.

The study was commissioned by Majblomman, the Red Cross, Radda Barnen (the Swedish branch of Save the Children), and the tenants' association Hyresgastforeningen. It surveyed 1,112 single parents earning less than 30,000 kronor (£2,300) per month, as well as couples with children whose combined income was under 43,000 kronor (£3,300).

"The situation is worsening for those living on the margins," said Ulrika Modeer, secretary general of the Swedish Red Cross. "Children are the most affected by these economic disparities and often bear the consequences much too early," the organisations explained.

Many children are acutely aware of the financial strain at home, keeping track of when their parents' salaries or social benefits are due, and avoiding mention of activities or outings that require additional expenses. Additionally, teenagers aged 16 or 17, often starting their first summer jobs, find themselves unable to afford the public transport costs to get to work.

"Public transport is crucial for these families. They can’t afford to get to after-school activities or visit their friends," Henell noted. In response, Majblomman has provided transportation cards to help children access work and other essential activities, with the charity increasing its financial aid to children by 12 million kronor (£1 million) in the past two years.

To address these growing inequalities, the four organisations have called on the Swedish government to raise family allowance payments, link them to inflation, and introduce free leisure activities and public transport for all children.