Time intensive parenting has spread in Western countries. This study contributes to the literature on parental time use, aiming deepen our understanding of relationship between childcare and social class. Based time-diary data (2010–2011) from Norway, a concept class that links parents’ amount composition economic cultural capital, we examine spent by parents activities. The analysis shows gender intersect: motherhood, as measured active childcare, including developmental activities thought...

Predicted population decline and labour shortages in European welfare states are directing attention to policy strategies that might increase women's employment fertility rates. In this context, the Nordic states' blend of high female rates relatively levels stands out from others. These patterns accompanied by comprehensive work–family policies indicating reform is a main explanation. A core element generous leave absence arrangements for parents. scrutinising analysis paper emphasises...

Abstract In most European countries a ‘childcare gap’ exists: that is, discrepancy between the demand for and provision of childcare. Among are succeeding in closing gap Nordic welfare states. Hence, knowledge about how childcare these has developed is wide interest. This article stresses importance studying interactive processes changing explain building up national gaps. Although there similarities development services, some differences stand out. The comparison indicates complex societal...

High levels of gender segregation in Scandinavian labour markets have been referred to as a paradox view these countries’ commitment equality and advancements other areas. The status welfare states is addressed here: Are they (still) the most segregated? What processes drive (de)segregation? Relatively fast occupational desegregation recent years has moved Denmark, Norway Sweden from group highly moderately segregated markets, women’s share management positions rising. Empirical case studies...

Abstract Earner–carer policy models aiming at the engagement of mothers and fathers in both paid unpaid work are a hallmark Nordic welfare states. But they have not become uncontested equilibriums. Examining family development through theoretical lenses party competition incremental change helps uncover underlying tensions ongoing struggles. In contrast to convergence stability regard moderately long parental leave high replacement rates provision universal publicly-funded childcare...

Recent family policy developments may blur conventional typologies. While policies in some European welfare states are shifting away from strong male breadwinner regimes towards work–family reconciliation, the adding of cash for childcare (CFC) benefits Nordic earner-carer points opposite direction. How can we understand growing hybridisation? Comparison CFC schemes five countries is empirical basis discussion here – what does insertion such a familistic measure actually mean? The analysis...

Abstract The way that welfare policies influence the interpretative processes of social actors is attracting increasing attention. In this article, we investigate policy change impacts on ideas mothers have about best form care for their children. data are taken from representative surveys among preschool-age children in 2002 and 2010 Norway. cover a decade marked reforms childcare services with regard to supply places, parents’ fees right be given place care. Policy gave rise major shifts...

To what extent has the traditional male provider model shifted towards a of equal economic partnership in Scandinavian welfare states, and how can current social practices attitudes be explained? In contrast to much recent state research, this article emphasizes differences within Scandinavia, arguing that national structural, cultural political configurations have contributed among states transition toward gender equality provision.

Abstract That 'politics matters' has become a central assumption in the booming welfare state literature recent years. Sometimes policies do not matter much, however. A key argument this paper is that family are becoming increasingly complex and diversified, practical implications of have to be analysed relation wider social, economic political context. In present case study cash-for-care reform introduced Norway 1998, relationship between policy mothers' employment practices explored....

The social revolutions connected to postindustrialism are altering the landscape of politics, affecting both content and normative justification policy reform. changing ideational foundation care is addressed in this case-study Norway. study examines rationales three major reforms 1990s concerning parents’ rights time care, by drawing on documents parliamentary debates. A conceptual ‘trichotomy’ key - equality, recognition choice informs empirical analysis. Analysed context, illustrate...

Numerous studies have expanded the understanding of part-time work as a gendered labour market phenomenon. However, there has been little research into how societies perceive women’s over time. The passage several decades since women in great numbers entered Scandinavia, many jobs, provides an opportunity to investigate this. We examine ideas about nature and desirability for based on government advisory commission reports published Norway between 1978 2016. With gender contract conceptual...

In considering the systemic properties of family policies through analytical lens institutional trust, this study brings new insights into relationship between policy and fertility. Norwegian welfare state, trust in system permeates young adults' reasoning about having children: these adults take for granted that it will work out, effect lowering threshold to entry parenthood. The data analysis come from ninety semi-structured interviews among women men working-class upper middle-class occupations.