Rankings and benchmarks: understanding gender equality measures in the Nordics

Over the past two decades, regulatory instruments such as rankings and benchmarks have gained increased traction across the world for measuring and monitoring progress towards gender equality. Drawing on theories on gender reputation and gender knowledge production, this article examines how these instruments have been employed by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Through a critical discourse analysis of documents published by the Council, the article argues that these materials help stabilize the Nordic self-image as a global leader in gender equality and that rankings and benchmarks play a key role in broader efforts at regional branding. The analysis further shows that gender equality is primarily constructed as a matter of rights and fair distribution, thereby narrowing and fixing the meaning of gender equality.