Development of Sex Differences in Economic Activity and Mental Health in Scandinavia

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Abstract
In this preliminary study, sex differences in first admissions to mental hospitals in Finland, Norway, and Sweden are examined against the background of changes in the economic activity of men and women in 1939-1976 Hypotheses denved from earlier studies about the beneficial effect of meaningful economic activity on the mental health of women get some support from macro-level inter-country and historical comparisons. Also, women's growing awareness of their problems, expressed through the feminist movement, has helped them to solve their mental difficulties outside hospitals. Men seem to be more vulnerable than women to crisis situations like war and rapid structural change in society. During such crisis periods the sex ratio in mental hospital first admissions declines to the disadvantage of men. Before definite conclusions of the direct relationships between social changes and the mental health of the sexes can be made, studies at an individual level are needed. Ecological correlations between female/male ratios in mental hospital residency and the economic development of an area are positive. This is mainly due to the low hospital residency rates of men in the developed areas, where both sexes share the economic provider roles. Paid work among women seemingly does not threaten the mental health of men.

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