Childcare Provision in Neoliberal Times: The Marketization of Care

Gallagher examines the problematic growth of private, for-profit childcare in New Zealand, highlighting the complex political, social, and economic dynamics behind childcare provisioning.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Governments often rely on the market to meet the demand for childcare, but who are the actors shaping this market? What roles do they play in marketing care? And what implications does this have for the provision of childcare?

In his groundbreaking book, Gallagher delves into the problematic growth of private, for-profit childcare in New Zealand. Through an innovative theoretical framework and an extensive study of the childcare market, he sheds light on the complex political, social, and economic dynamics that underpin childcare provisioning.

Gallagher begins by examining the historical and political context of childcare provision in New Zealand. He explores how the market has evolved over time, with the rise of private, for-profit childcare providers playing a significant role in meeting the demand for childcare. However, he also highlights the concerns associated with this growth, such as the potential for exploitation, the quality of care, and the impact on families and children.

To understand the actors shaping the childcare market, Gallagher conducts an in-depth study of the New Zealand childcare market. He identifies a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, private childcare providers, parents, and advocacy groups. He examines their roles, strategies, and motivations in marketing care, and how they interact with each other to shape the market.

One of the key findings of the book is that the childcare market is characterized by a complex web of relationships and power dynamics. Gallagher argues that private, for-profit childcare providers have significant power and influence over the market, as they are able to set prices, determine the quality of care, and shape the regulatory environment. However, he also notes that government agencies, parents, and advocacy groups play important roles in shaping the market, through their advocacy efforts, choices of childcare providers, and participation in policy debates.

Gallagher also explores the work that private, for-profit childcare providers do to marketize care. He examines their marketing strategies, such as advertising, branding, and promotional campaigns, and how they use these strategies to attract parents and differentiate themselves from competitors. He also examines the impact of these marketing strategies on the quality of care, the affordability of childcare, and the accessibility of childcare for families.

One of the key challenges identified by Gallagher is the lack of regulation and oversight in the childcare market. He argues that the absence of clear regulations and standards can lead to exploitation and poor quality care, and can also limit the accessibility of childcare for families. He calls for greater regulation and oversight of the childcare market, to ensure that children receive high-quality care, that parents have access to affordable childcare, and that the market is fair and equitable.

In conclusion, Gallagher's book provides a valuable insight into the problematic growth of private, for-profit childcare in New Zealand. Through an innovative theoretical framework and an in-depth study of the childcare market, he sheds light on the complex political, social, and economic dynamics that underpin childcare provisioning. The book challenges the dominant narrative that the market is the best way to meet the demand for childcare, and instead advocates for greater regulation and oversight to ensure that children receive high-quality care, that parents have access to affordable childcare, and that the market is fair and equitable.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529206517