A Care Crisis in the Nordic Welfare States?: Care Work, Gender Equality and Welfare State Sustainability

Academic experts examine the impact of neoliberal policies and ideology on care work in Nordic countries, highlighting challenges such as technologies, management, and policy-making. The book argues that there is a care crisis in the supposedly feminist Nordic 'nirvana' and explores the consequences for gender equality and the long-term sustainability of the welfare states. It provides insights into wider international care issues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In this comprehensive collection, esteemed academic experts delve into the profound impact of neoliberal policies and ideology on the status of care work in Nordic countries. Through innovative research perspectives and empirical analyses, the book assesses the multifaceted challenges faced by care workers, encompassing areas such as technology, management, and policy-making. It argues that, despite the perception of the Nordic region as a feminist "nirvana," a care crisis persists, highlighting the severe consequences for gender equality and the overlooked effects on the long-term sustainability of the Nordic welfare states. This insightful examination of the Nordic welfare model sheds light on valuable insights that can be applied to broader international care-related issues.

Introduction:
The Nordic countries, often hailed as exemplars of social welfare policies and gender equality, have faced significant transformations in recent decades. The implementation of neoliberal policies has reshaped the landscape of care work, leading to changes in the nature, organization, and remuneration of care services. This book aims to explore the impact of neoliberal policies and ideology on the status of care work in Nordic countries, with a particular focus on understanding the challenges faced by care workers, the consequences for gender equality, and the implications for the long-term sustainability of the Nordic welfare states.

Challenges for Care Work:
One of the central challenges facing care work in Nordic countries is the increasing reliance on technology. While technological advancements have brought about efficiency and convenience in care delivery, they have also created new barriers and challenges for care workers. For instance, the use of automation and artificial intelligence in care settings has led to job displacement and reduced job security for care workers, particularly those with lower qualifications or specialized skills. Moreover, the increasing use of technology in care has raised concerns about the potential for privacy breaches, data security, and the loss of human touch in care services.

Another challenge facing care work in Nordic countries is the management of care services. The shift towards market-oriented approaches to care has led to the privatization of care services and the emergence of for-profit companies. This has resulted in a focus on cost-cutting measures, which can compromise the quality of care and the well-being of care workers. Moreover, the management of care services often involves complex bureaucratic processes, which can create administrative burdens for care workers and limit their ability to provide quality care.

Policy-making is also a critical area of concern in Nordic countries. The implementation of neoliberal policies has led to a reduction in public funding for care services, which has resulted in a reliance on private funding and user fees. This has created a market-driven approach to care, where care services are increasingly commodified and prioritized based on their profitability. However, this has led to concerns about the accessibility and affordability of care services for vulnerable populations, particularly those who are elderly or disabled.

Consequences for Gender Equality:
The impact of neoliberal policies and ideology on care work has significant consequences for gender equality. Women are traditionally responsible for care work, and the increasing demand for care services has placed a significant burden on women's time and energy. Women are often paid less than men for the same work, and they face greater barriers to career advancement and job security in care work. Moreover, the gender division of labor in care work has perpetuated stereotypes and discrimination against women, which can have negative effects on their mental health and well-being.

In addition to the direct consequences for women, the care crisis has broader implications for gender equality. The increasing reliance. The increasing demand for care services has placed a significant burden on women's time and energy. Women are often paid less than men for the same work, and they face greater barriers to career advancement and job security in care work. Moreover, the gender division of labor in care work has perpetuated stereotypes and discrimination against women, which can have negative effects on their mental health and well-being.

In addition to the direct consequences for women, the care crisis has broader implications for gender equality. The increasing demand for care services has placed a significant burden on women's time and energy. Women are often paid less than men for the same work, and they face greater barriers to career advancement and job security in care work. Moreover, the gender division of labor in care work has perpetuated stereotypes and discrimination against women, which can have negative effects on their mental health and well-being.

Effects on the Long-Term Sustainability of Nordic Welfare States:
The care crisis has also had significant effects on the long-term sustainability of Nordic welfare states. The increasing demand for care services has strained the resources of these states, leading to increased government spending on care services. This has put pressure on public finances, particularly in countries with aging populations and high levels of disability. Moreover, the care crisis has raised concerns about the future viability of the Nordic welfare model, which is often characterized by high levels of social protection and public spending on healthcare and social services.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of neoliberal policies and ideology on the status of care work in Nordic countries. It highlights the challenges faced by care workers, the consequences for gender equality, and the implications for the long-term sustainability of the Nordic welfare states. The Nordic experience offers valuable insights into wider international issues in care, particularly in the context of the increasing demand for care services and the growing importance of gender equality in care work. By examining the Nordic welfare model, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to the success of social welfare policies and the challenges that arise in the implementation of care services.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 232 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447361343