The article aims to show how Swedish fathers perceive issues related to gender equality and parenthood. The impact of family policy mechanisms on men’s mindsets is crucial here. The article consists of two parts, the first of which describes, from a historical perspective, Swedish family policy, with a particular focus on measures to encourage fathers to become more involved in family life. The second part is based on material gathered through in-depth interviews with Swedish men, conducted by the author in September and October 2012 in Stockholm. His analysis shows how fathers perceive parenthood and the problems they face in a society where gender equality issues are important on the one hand, and, on the other hand, there is still a division into traditional parental roles.