Politics of Europeanisation: Work and Family Life Reconciliation Policy

The study compares the Europeanization patterns of work and family life reconciliation policies in Turkey and Germany over the last decade,with a particular emphasis on intervening domestic actors and factors. It combines Europeanization literature and New Institutionalism theory to shed light on the diverging nature of the Europeanization process in different countries. The book will appeal to social scientists with interests in social policy,gender studies,EU politics, and the Europeanization process.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 218 pages
\n Publication date: 03 May 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
\n

The European Union's agenda has increasingly prioritized work-family life reconciliation due to the significant shifts in the contributions of women and men to unpaid domestic work and paid employment. This comparative study explores the Europeanization patterns of work and family life reconciliation policies in Turkey, a longstanding candidate country, and Germany, a founding member state, over the past decade. With a particular focus on intervening domestic actors and factors, the study combines Europeanization literature and New Institutionalism theory to shed light on the diverging nature of the Europeanization process in these countries.

Drawing on document analysis and interviews with EU representatives, German and Turkish political elites, and representatives of civil society organizations, the study examines the influence of local actors on the push for stronger convergence among member and candidate states on EU work and family life reconciliation policies. The Politics of Europeanization will appeal to social scientists with interests in social policy, gender studies, EU politics, and the Europeanization process.

The Europeanization of work and family life reconciliation policies has been a complex and multifaceted process, influenced by various factors at the national, regional, and European levels. In Turkey, for example, the country has undergone significant economic and social transformations in recent decades, leading to increased participation of women in the labor market and a shift towards more flexible work arrangements. However, these changes have also created challenges in terms of work-family balance, with women often facing difficulties in combining work and family responsibilities.

Germany, on the other hand, has a long history of social welfare policies and a strong tradition of gender equality, which have contributed to the development of comprehensive work-family reconciliation policies. The country has implemented measures such as parental leave, flexible work hours, and childcare subsidies to support working parents and promote work-family balance. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of reconciling work and family life for low-income families and marginalized groups.

The Europeanization of work and family life reconciliation policies has also been shaped by broader political and economic developments within the EU. The Lisbon Treaty, for instance, emphasized the importance of social cohesion and the need to address social exclusion, which has led to the development of EU-wide policies on work-family reconciliation, such as the European Social Fund and the European Pillar of Social Rights.

However, the Europeanization process has not been uniform across all member states. Different countries have adopted different approaches to work-family reconciliation policies, reflecting their unique social, cultural, and economic contexts. For example, some countries have focused on promoting gender equality and equal opportunities in the workplace, while others have prioritized the provision of childcare services and parental leave.

Furthermore, the Europeanization of work and family life reconciliation policies has been influenced by the role of civil society organizations and social movements. These organizations have played a crucial role in advocating for policy changes and raising awareness about work-family balance issues. They have also provided a platform for women and men to share their experiences and challenges and to mobilize support for policy reforms.

In conclusion, the Europeanization of work and family life reconciliation policies has been a significant trend in recent years, driven by the need to address the changing dynamics of work and family life. While the process has brought about positive changes in terms of gender equality and work-family balance, challenges remain, particularly for marginalized groups and low-income families. The study of the influence of local actors on the push for stronger convergence among member and candidate states on EU work and family life reconciliation policies offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of this process.

\n Weight: 496g\n
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367620264\n \n