Child Care Policy at the Crossroads

With the spread of globalization and neo-liberalism, welfare states in advanced industrial societies have undergone dramatic restructuring. How has this affected women? Using child care policy as a lens, Child Care Policy at the Crossroads examines the impact of globalization, neo-liberalism, and welfare state devolution and decentralization on women's status. These essays ask: How has restructuring affected policies in each case, and what impact has this restructuring had on women's social citizenship, personal autonomy, and economic opportunities? What role has feminism played? Comparative studies of child care policy usually focus on statistical and demographic features; by delving into the history, politics, and cultural origins of policies, Child Care Policy at the Crossroads provides a rich, in-depth understanding of each case and affords a complex, multifaceted comparative perspective. Book jacket.