Nútíminn published an article on Tuesday by Íris Erlingsdóttir that asks readers to imagine all men in Iceland stopping work for one day. It considers the effects of a nationwide stoppage across professions from Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, to the country’s fishing fleets.
The Nútíminn article specifies this imagined strike would involve not just office workers, managers or members of parliament, but all men in Iceland. The author gives examples such as fishermen, truck drivers, electricians, metalworkers, plumbers, engine operators and labourers, occupations that are essential to the daily function of Icelandic society. The question is highlighted with the quote: “What would happen if all Icelandic men laid down their work for one day?” according to Íris Erlingsdóttir, translated from Icelandic.
While the articles do not speculate in detail about the consequences, their timing and focus suggest a thought experiment about Icelandic labour, gender roles and societal dependence on specific groups. The discussion comes as questions about the visibility and recognition of different labour groups, both in public debate and in official commemorations, continue in Iceland.
Sources
- Nútíminn (first reported) in Icelandic
- Vísir in Icelandic
Image: Ziko van Dijk / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) · licence, original (resized) Illustrative image.
