Hardback
Women and Social Policies in Europe
Work, Family and the State
9781852785635 Edward Elgar Publishing
This thoroughly documented book provides an overview of social policies affecting women in Germany, Italy, Denmark, Britain, Ireland, Norway, France and Sweden. The central theme is the relationship between paid and unpaid work, something very few European governments have been prepared explicitly to address as a social issue and which has yet to enter the European Commission’s agenda.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This thoroughly documented book provides an overview of social policies affecting women in Germany, Italy, Denmark, Britain, Ireland, Norway, France and Sweden. The central theme is the relationship between paid and unpaid work, something very few European governments have been prepared explicitly to address as a social issue and which has yet to enter the European Commission’s agenda.
Contributors discuss the literature on women and welfare in their particular country concerned and outline the developments in social policies relating to women and the position of women in regard to reproductive and labour market behaviour in the post-War period. The essays analyse the assumptions behind policies affecting women’s family and work lives and discuss specific legislative approaches to securing ‘equality’. A concluding chapter discusses the European Community''s contribution to the goal of equal opportunities for both men and women.
The main aim of the book is to provide students with a source of easily accessible information about a major issue in social policy: the relationship between women, the family and employment.
Contributors discuss the literature on women and welfare in their particular country concerned and outline the developments in social policies relating to women and the position of women in regard to reproductive and labour market behaviour in the post-War period. The essays analyse the assumptions behind policies affecting women’s family and work lives and discuss specific legislative approaches to securing ‘equality’. A concluding chapter discusses the European Community''s contribution to the goal of equal opportunities for both men and women.
The main aim of the book is to provide students with a source of easily accessible information about a major issue in social policy: the relationship between women, the family and employment.
Critical Acclaim
‘Women and Social Policies in Europe is a timely and informative book that provides a wealth of material on women’s experiences and welfare rights within Europe.’
– Jo Little, Journal of Rural Studies
‘We have needed this book, and it does not disappoint . . . I commend Women and Social Polices in Europe to you.’
– Shelia Shaver, Contemporary Sociology
‘Overall, issues raised in this text deserve wide discussion which will be a valuable source of ideas and evidence for students and specialists alike.’
– Political Studies
‘. . . this collection provides an important step towards a greater understanding and appreciation of how gender forces have shaped contests over redistribution and are embedded in welfare state policies.’
– Mary Daly, West European Politics
– Jo Little, Journal of Rural Studies
‘We have needed this book, and it does not disappoint . . . I commend Women and Social Polices in Europe to you.’
– Shelia Shaver, Contemporary Sociology
‘Overall, issues raised in this text deserve wide discussion which will be a valuable source of ideas and evidence for students and specialists alike.’
– Political Studies
‘. . . this collection provides an important step towards a greater understanding and appreciation of how gender forces have shaped contests over redistribution and are embedded in welfare state policies.’
– Mary Daly, West European Politics
Contents
Contents: 1. Introduction: Women, Work, Family and Social Policies in Europe (Jane Lewis) 2. The Gendered Scandinavian Welfare States: The Interplay between Women''s Roles as Mothers, Workers and Citizens in Denmark (Birte Siim) 3. The ‘Woman-Friendly’ Welfare State?: The Case of Norway and Sweden (Arnlaug Leira) 4. Managing the Mothers: The Case of Ireland (Pauline Conroy Jackson) 5. Slow Motion: Women, Work and the Family in Germany (Ilona Ostner) 6. Women, Work and Welfare in France (Linda Hantrais) 7. Gender,‘ Gift Relationship’ and Welfare State Cultures in Italy (Franca Bimbi) 8. Women and the State: Changes in Roles and Rights in France, West Germany, Italy and Britain, 1970–1990 (Prue Chamberlayne) 9. Women’s Rights in the European Community (Elizabeth Meehan)
