Care Loops and Mobilities in Nordic, Central, and Eastern European Welfare States

This edited volume explores the impact of neoliberal policies and ideologies on public and private care practices in Nordic, Central, and East European welfare states. It argues that common neoliberal responses to care crises involve normalizing precarious work by moving care from public institutions to families within private homes. Contributions from eight countries contribute to research on gender, care, migration, and welfare policies in post-egalitarian and post-socialist societies in Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 205 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This edited volume delves into the profound impact of neoliberal policies and ideologies on public and private care practices within Nordic, Central, and East European welfare states. By offering fresh conceptualizations of care practices, the chapters transport the reader directly into the homes, workplaces, and daily lives of urban and rural residents across Europe. The book makes a compelling argument that common neoliberal responses to care crises revolve around normalizing precarious work rather than reevaluating the importance of care. Through contributions from eight countries, the chapters contribute to ongoing research on gender, care, migration, and welfare policies by exploring how recent developments in global capitalism and neoliberal policies shape welfare policies and care arrangements in post-egalitarian and post-socialist societies in Europe.

The editors of this volume have assembled a diverse group of scholars from various disciplines, including sociology, political science, economics, and health sciences. Their expertise and insights provide a comprehensive examination of the complex interplay between neoliberal policies, care arrangements, and social inequalities.

Chapter 1, titled "Introduction: Neoliberal Policies and Care Arrangements in Europe," sets the stage for the subsequent chapters by providing a broad overview of the neoliberal transformation of welfare states. The authors argue that neoliberal policies have led to a shift in the responsibility for care from public institutions to families within private homes. This shift, they suggest, is driven by the desire to reduce government spending and promote individual responsibility and choice.

Chapter 2, "Care Practices and the Normalization of Precarious Work," delves deeper into the implications of this shift. The authors explore how care practices have been transformed under neoliberal policies, with a particular focus on the normalization of precarious work. They argue that care work, traditionally performed by women and marginalized communities, has become increasingly informal, low-paid, and unstable. Care workers, they suggest, are subjected to long working hours, irregular schedules, and limited job security, making it difficult for them to balance work and care responsibilities.

Chapter 3, "Gender, Care, and Migration in the Nordic Countries," examines the gendered dimensions of care work and the impact of migration on care arrangements. The authors argue that care work is often feminized and that women are disproportionately responsible for providing care to family members and the elderly. They also explore how migration patterns have influenced care arrangements, with migrant women often taking on care work in order to support their families and communities.

Chapter 4, "Care Practices and the Privatization of Welfare in Central and Eastern Europe," focuses on the privatization of welfare in Central and Eastern Europe. The authors argue that neoliberal policies have led to the commodification of care and the erosion of public welfare provisions. They suggest that private providers, often for-profit companies, have taken over the provision of care services, leading to concerns about quality, accessibility, and affordability.

Chapter 5, "Care Policies and the Social Divide in Europe," explores the ways in which neoliberal policies have exacerbated social inequalities. The authors argue that care work is often associated with low social status and that care workers, particularly women and marginalized communities, face discrimination and social exclusion. They also discuss the impact of care policies on social cohesion and social mobility, with care workers often facing barriers to accessing education and training opportunities.

Chapter 6, "Care Practices and the Politics of Resistance in Europe," examines the ways in which care workers and care recipients have resisted neoliberal policies and advocated for better care arrangements. The authors highlight the importance of collective action and social movements in shaping care policies and practices. They also discuss the challenges faced by care workers in organizing and advocating for their rights.

Chapter 7, "Conclusion: The Future of Care Arrangements in Europe," offers a summary of the key findings and implications of the book. The authors argue that neoliberal policies and ideologies have had a profound impact on care arrangements in Europe, normalizing precarious work and exacerbating social inequalities. However, they also suggest that there are opportunities for resistance and transformation. By revaluing care and promoting social justice, they argue, we can create more equitable and sustainable care arrangements for all.

In conclusion, this edited volume provides a valuable contribution to the study of neoliberal policies and ideologies in the context of care arrangements in Europe. By offering fresh conceptualizations of care practices and exploring the complex interplay between neoliberal policies, care arrangements, and social inequalities, the book offers a critical analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing care workers and care recipients in post-egalitarian and post-socialist societies. The contributions from eight countries provide a rich and diverse perspective on the issue, and the book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and activists interested in understanding the future of care in Europe.

Weight: 293g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030928919
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022