Sick leave in Norway is higher amongst women than men for all age groups and within all sectors, branches and businesses. Gender differences in sick leave can only partially be explained with sick leave related to pregnancy and other health problems that only concern women. Despite considerable research efforts, much of the reason for the gender difference in leave is still unknown. A number of studies are currently being carried out under the management of the Research Council of Norway.

Any gender differences in norms and attitudes to sick leave and priorities between home and work can be one of the several possible explanations behind the gender difference in sick leave. The project shall map norms, attitudes and priorities, amongst other things, in the relationship between work and family, work and leisure, work and own health. The project shall map differences between gender, age groups, education background, businesses, status in the labour market (professionally active (full time/part time), student, benefit receiver, pensioner), family status and number of children.

The project has 3 main problems:

1. Through which mechanisms can various norms, attitudes and priorities possibly explain the gender differences in sick leave?

2. Can relevant gender differences be proven in norms, attitudes and priorities?

3. How big influence do these possible factors have in the explaining the gender difference in sick leave?

See annex 1. of the contract for further details (the awarding authority's description of the assignment).