The greatest gender differences concerning the division of labour occur during the Christmas preparations. There will be no magical Christmas without mum's efforts.

Parents with minority background are perceived as second-rate parents compared to the Child Welfare Service's ideals regarding Norwegian gender equality.

Norwegian families who have an au pair, believe they help women from poor countries to a better future.

Norwegian authorities describe the au pair scheme as cultural exchange. In reality, au pairs are professional housemaids with a salary as low as 69 Norwegian kroner an hour, according to researcher.

If mummy is an addict or suffers from psychological dysfunctions, the Norwegian Child Welfare Service takes extensive measures. If daddy has similar problems, he is asked to leave his family.

Female labour migrants are criticised for abandoning their children in their home country. According to research, this stigma does not affect male migrants.

The old measures cannot take us all the way. The key to economic gender equality is the father, claims economist Hilde Bojer.