Tell me about Swedish gender roles?

This is a serious question -- I really want to know. I've always read that Sweden is progressive when it comes to feminism and gender equality, but every woman I've ever known who originated from Sweden to the United States (as adults) are very subservient to their husbands/boyfriends. The man tells them what to do, and they do it, with no veto power, even if to their own detriment. Is this just a coincidence -- in people I've known -- or is that a basic of Swedish culture? I've never been to Sweden but a recent male acquaintance moved here from there and he treats me very differently than men. He expects me (female) to do menial things for him, as if that's my natural role. When I won't, he thinks there's a problem. He says his wife has no say regarding their life together. What gives?