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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2003

Hildegard Theobald

Since the 1960s, the health system has seen the professionalisation of a new occupation, carer of the elderly. The form and result of this process differs between countries…

1745

Abstract

Since the 1960s, the health system has seen the professionalisation of a new occupation, carer of the elderly. The form and result of this process differs between countries according to their welfare systems. In this paper, the differences will be analysed in a comparison between two countries, Germany and Sweden, the representatives of two prototypical welfare systems. Sweden is renowned for its state‐oriented universal welfare system, whereas Germany is considered to be an example of a conservative, family‐oriented system. The process of professionalisation and its consequences for the carer and the care receivers will be looked at from the perspective of gender and social inequality. On a theoretical basis, this paper includes gendered and mainstream welfare state approaches and thus combines issues of gender and social inequality, as well as theories in the area of professionalisation. Empirically, the development of the new occupation is examined in two phases. In the first step, it looks at the time‐period between the 60s and 80s, when the stateoriented vs. family‐oriented principles of care for the elderly were established. The 90s brought about change in both countries. In Germany, with the introduction of the Long‐term Care Insurance, a new mode of care has developed, shared between informal family care, and public or private providers. In Sweden, budget restrictions in the 90s in this area led to a reorganisation, restructuring and reduction of the role of the welfare state. The consequences of the different processes in both countries will be discussed from the perspective of the predominantly female employees and the receivers of care. The results reveal a complex interaction between patterns of gender and social inequality and welfare state policies for the carers and care receivers.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 23 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 26 April 2011

Hildegard Theobald

The paper compares the introduction of universal long‐term care schemes and the regulations of migrant care work within the framework of multi‐level governance in Austria and…

712

Abstract

Purpose

The paper compares the introduction of universal long‐term care schemes and the regulations of migrant care work within the framework of multi‐level governance in Austria and Germany. The aim of the paper is twofold. First, it reveals the characteristics of country‐specific universal policy schemes and second, it explains their designs – the new type of universalism and its completion by regulations of migrant care work within the family framework – by the policy‐making process.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptually, the paper combines approaches within long‐term care research to define dimensions of universalism, as well as on multi‐level governance and new‐institutionalism to examine the policy‐making process. Empirically, Austria and Germany are selected as two cases.

Findings

The findings reveal the significant dimensions of the new type of universalist policy design and of policies towards migrant care work. The country differences are explained by the policy‐making process within countries and with cross‐border effects. In particular, the impact of the disability movement in Austria and the coalition between the political parties in Germany resulted in a country‐specific definition of universalism. The integrated approach towards migrant care work in Austria is contrasted with the fragmented approach in Germany. In both countries, the regulations of migrant care work question the idea of universalism.

Originality/value

The impact of societal actors and their ideas on the creation of a new type of universalism and the interrelated regulation of migrant care work has only rarely been examined. The analysis contributes to an understanding of the policy‐making process and its interrelationship with selected policy designs.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 31 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 21 May 2018

Kristina Binner

179

Abstract

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2003

Birgit Blättel‐Mink and Ellen Kuhlmann

Changing market conditions, new modes of labour and decreasing legitimisation of experts, as well as an increasing ratio of women, pose new challenges to the professions. These…

1092

Abstract

Changing market conditions, new modes of labour and decreasing legitimisation of experts, as well as an increasing ratio of women, pose new challenges to the professions. These ongoing dynamics are especially visible in the health care system – a traditional professional field with strongly formalised rules governing entrance, initiation and career paths. In addition, this field is highly segregated according to sexes. How do the bove‐mentioned processes of change present themselves and what economic, social or structural factors cause them? What role does gender play within these processes? What potential lies in the re‐structuring processes of health care systems as far as a gender equal architecture and design of professions is concerned? These and other questions are addressed in this collection of papers. For the main part they grew out of a thematic focus event organised and coordinated by the editors for the 5th Conference of the European Sociological Association (ESA) Research Network Sociology of Professions that was held in 2001 in Helsinki. Inspired by the richness of the research results on professions and gender in health care systems in various European countries and new horizons which opened up from the comparative perspective in different countries, professions, and theoretical approaches, and finally motivated by very constructive ensuing discussions, we decided to continue the discussion with a publication.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 23 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 26 April 2011

Viola Burau and Signy Irene Vabo

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the papers included in this special issue and discuss the theme – shifts in Nordic welfare governance.

629

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the papers included in this special issue and discuss the theme – shifts in Nordic welfare governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the major themes and sets out the structure of the special issue.

Findings

The picture emerging is mixed and there is evidence for strong decentralisation where policy instruments allow for considerable local room to manoeuvre. Organisational arrangements for governance are also highly localised, but (over time) oscillate between decentralisation and centralisation. As for the consequences for universalism, the contributions point to three contrasting scenarios. The first, relatively optimistic assessment suggests that while decentralisation challenges territorial equality, in some Nordic countries there seems to be inbuilt self‐correcting mechanisms pulling in the opposite direction. The second scenario is more critical and here it is argued that shifts in welfare governance, such as decentralisation and the introduction of elements of self and market governance, challenge universalism; universalism has become highly contingent on local circumstances and the practice of welfare delivery mixes different types of justice. The final scenario is rather pessimistic about the prospects of universalism and suggests that the shifts in welfare governance challenge universalism on all counts and lead to a wide range of new inequalities among citizens. This echoes the analysis of non‐Nordic countries in Europe where the scope for universalism remains limited.

Originality/value

The contribution of this special issue is twofold. First, using elderly care as a case study, the special issue analyses the complexity of welfare governance by looking at changes in both the vertical and the horizontal dimensions of governing. Second, focusing on Nordic countries, it assesses the substantive implications of shifts in welfare governance, notably in terms of universalism.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 31 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 19 June 2009

Ellen Kuhlmann and Viola Burau

912

Abstract

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

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