According to BT and Ritzau, a new report shows that the number of women in Denmark's ruling elite has increased significantly over the past two decades, reflecting a notable shift in the power structure within Danish society. The report, prepared by the Association for Elite and Power Studies (Foreningen for Elite- og Magtstudier), reveals that women comprised 31,000 members of the "ruling elite" in 2024, compared to only 19,000 in 2012—a substantial increase in female representation within influential decision-making circles.
A real increase in women's representation in power
The report indicated that the overall percentage of women within the ruling elite—a group of 401 individuals identified by the strength of their social connections across various institutions such as boards of directors and committees—rose from 19 in 2012 to 31 in 2024, suggesting a significant strengthening of women's role in positions of influence, according to the sources. Read more after the announcement.
The growing role of women in the business world
The report also showed that the largest part of this growth came from the business sector, where the percentage of women rose from 12.5 in 2012 to 24.2 in 2024. This indicates that women have not only been present within networks of influence, but have also made tangible progress in influential decision-making positions in companies and economic institutions.
Women with stronger connections and networks of influence
The researchers noted that in 2012, women were less connected within the network than men and occupied marginal positions. However, this changed in 2024, with women comprising approximately 30 of the top 50 most connected individuals within the network, roughly equal to their overall representation. The researchers interpreted this as evidence that the most influential Danish women have achieved greater access to central positions within power structures than before.
Definition of “ruling elite”
The ruling elite, the focus of the study, comprises a network of individuals with strong connections across various organizations that serve as centers of influence in society, such as boards of directors, advisory bodies, and committees involved in shaping public policy. Out of 9,452 forums examined in the study, which analyzed 79,203 positions held by 55,947 individuals, the researchers ultimately identified 401 people representing what is termed the “ruling elite,” according to the sources.
Key organizations at the heart of the network
The report also highlighted the organizations at the heart of this intricate network, including Dansk Industri (Danish Industry), Dansk Metal (the metalworkers' union), Dansk Erhverv (Danish Business), the Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokratiet), and A.P. Møller-Mærsk (the large transport and shipping group). These organizations form the backbone of Denmark's power structure, where the interests of the state, the private sector, and the unions converge to shape public policy.
Greater focus on energy and infrastructure
The report also noted that companies involved in sectors such as energy and infrastructure found stronger representation on the network in 2024 compared to 2017, with the number of leaders associated with these fields rising from just 7 to 23. Researchers linked this expansion to the emergence of the concept of “security of supply” as an important political issue in recent years, reflecting changes in the priorities of the elite themselves.
The growing importance of climate issues and the green transition
The report also documented that the number of people associated with organizations or institutions focused on green transition and climate has doubled since 2017, indicating that these issues are becoming more prominent within high-level circles of influence.
Emphasis on standards of power and influence
The researchers explained that the composition of the ruling elite reflects the sources of power that are considered important in society, and that the changes that have occurred in its composition reveal new and growing priorities, especially with regard to the increased representation of women and issues of the environment and energy.
