Everyday Inclusion in Sweden: Practicality, shared Spaces, and a quiet cultural Code

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Welcome to Day 12 of July's UBC, how's everybody doing?

About ten years ago in the USA, there was a huge clamor over who was allowed to use which restroom, largely centered around transgender rights. Fortunately, that situation has eased somewhat, even though progress is still needed in many places. In Sweden, I’ve noticed almost the opposite approach.

Single-Use Bathrooms: Practicality Meets Inclusion

Many restaurants and cafés in Sweden don’t have separate “Men” and “Women” bathrooms. Instead, there’s a single-occupancy restroom with symbols for everybody plus wheelchair access and changing tables 🚻♿🧷🧼🧻👶

I really appreciate that these bathrooms are designed to be accessible for everyone including families, people with disabilities, and especially dads who get the chance to handle diaper changes (a small but important detail, since in many countries changing tables are only in the ladies’ room).

At the same time, sharing one bathroom for all users raises some hygiene concerns for me, like the usual challenges of cleanliness and handwashing habits that can happen when many different people use the same space.

If I’m honest, however, I believe the main reason these bathrooms exist (and probably always have) is practicality and maybe a touch of laziness. It’s easier and cheaper to build and clean one bathroom than multiple separate ones, especially in small spaces.

The inclusion aspect is a lovely bonus, but the original idea is about convenience. One downside? There’s often just one bathroom for everyone, so waiting lines happen. Something I’m used to as a woman, but still a minor annoyance.

Photo by Philip Rawstron on Unsplash

Shared Pedestrian and Bike Lanes: Watch Your Step!

In Sweden, bike lanes often double as pedestrian walkways. It’s efficient and space-saving but means you need to be alert. Step slightly off the line, and you might get a polite but firm ring of a bike bell warning you to move.

This shared space is an interesting example of coexistence, but it can feel risky if you’re not used to it. Definitely keeps you on your toes!

Photo by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash

Accessible Public Transport: Designed for Everyone

Swedish buses and trains are well-equipped for all passengers, with ramps, low floors, and designated spaces for wheelchairs and strollers. Plus, there are both visual and audio announcements on board, making travel easier for people with various needs.

Crosswalk Signals You Can Hear

One small detail I really noticed: the audible signals at crosswalks. The soft beeps and clicks help visually impaired pedestrians cross safely. It’s such a subtle but powerful sign of how Sweden integrates inclusion into everyday life.

The Quiet Code Behind It All

What I find fascinating is that all these little details of Swedish life, from single-use gender-neutral bathrooms to shared bike lanes and audible crosswalk signals, seem to reflect a deeper cultural attitude. There’s an unspoken social code here called Jantelagen, or the Law of Jante. Originally introduced in a 1930s novel as a satire, it encourages people not to think they’re better or more important than anyone else. It’s about modesty, equality, and keeping a low profile.

While sometimes criticized for limiting individual ambition, this mindset helps explain why so much in Sweden’s public spaces is designed for everyone, with practicality and inclusion quietly woven in. It’s less about making grand statements and more about creating an environment where no one stands out or feels excluded. A humble but powerful form of social harmony.

So when you see a single bathroom for all, or hear the soft beep helping someone cross the street safely, remember: it’s not just design or convenience. It’s a reflection of a culture that values everyone equally, in ways both big and small.

What little things have you noticed in other countries that reveal a culture’s values or priorities? Have you encountered surprising ways inclusion or practicality shape everyday life where you’ve traveled or lived?