Social Policy and Administration, 38(6), December 2004, pp.678-705.
Publisher:
Wiley
In the framework of the SOCCARE Project, focusing on families dealing with a double front of care for children and frail elderly people, similarities can be found in Italy, France and Portugal beyond their different welfare regimes. The comparison of family histories and caregiving strategies, by the methodology of case-matching, gives an interesting overview of the relationship between the debate on social care and that on the intergenerational contract. The paper aims to understand which are the available combinations of family, informal and institutional resources making a heavy burden of care “acceptable and still normal”: this focuses both typical situations of each country and common features through the countries. The results show how changes in the representations of obligation and duty in the intergenerational pact produce different outcomes and demands in welfare systems. The analysis of shifting boundaries between the public and private spheres in care provides useful policy recommendations, aimed at improving choices and “sustainable” responsibilities of individuals, families and social networks. Sustainable policies seem to be more dependent on family and structural types and resources of networks than on different welfare and services support.
In the framework of the SOCCARE Project, focusing on families dealing with a double front of care for children and frail elderly people, similarities can be found in Italy, France and Portugal beyond their different welfare regimes. The comparison of family histories and caregiving strategies, by the methodology of case-matching, gives an interesting overview of the relationship between the debate on social care and that on the intergenerational contract. The paper aims to understand which are the available combinations of family, informal and institutional resources making a heavy burden of care “acceptable and still normal”: this focuses both typical situations of each country and common features through the countries. The results show how changes in the representations of obligation and duty in the intergenerational pact produce different outcomes and demands in welfare systems. The analysis of shifting boundaries between the public and private spheres in care provides useful policy recommendations, aimed at improving choices and “sustainable” responsibilities of individuals, families and social networks. Sustainable policies seem to be more dependent on family and structural types and resources of networks than on different welfare and services support.
Subject terms:
mixed economy of care, older people, social policy, social care provision, child care, comparative studies, employment;
Collection of articles looking at the contexts for, and the outcomes of, the diversity of social care provision by the member states of the European Union. The book first addresses how we define social care in Europe and looks at the differences between member states. Goes on to look in more detail at the context for social care provision and the constitutional framework provided by the European Union itself. Further chapters cover Europe's mixed economy of welfare and provide detailed analysis of the impact of social care provision on 3 key clients groups: children and families, disabled people and older people.
Collection of articles looking at the contexts for, and the outcomes of, the diversity of social care provision by the member states of the European Union. The book first addresses how we define social care in Europe and looks at the differences between member states. Goes on to look in more detail at the context for social care provision and the constitutional framework provided by the European Union itself. Further chapters cover Europe's mixed economy of welfare and provide detailed analysis of the impact of social care provision on 3 key clients groups: children and families, disabled people and older people.
Subject terms:
home care, mixed economy of care, older people, physical disabilities, social welfare, social care, social care provision, children, comparative studies;
Location(s):
Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Europe, France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom