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Social care and welfare state residuality: an empirical approach to long-term care and childcare services, institutions, and outcomes

Student thesis: Doctoral thesis

Abstract

This thesis investigates welfare state reforms designed to address social care needs. The guiding research question is: how do public social care services evolve in terms of access, financing, labour conditions, and quality within the context of a residual welfare state? A residual welfare state refers to services provided as a safety net for those lacking alternative provisions. I empirically examine the formal rules and practices within public social care infrastructures for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and Long-Term Care (LTC). In studying the implementation of ECEC services, I find that, despite increased institutionalisation and universalisation in recent decades, selection tactics and means-testing remain essential for ensuring equal access in contexts of limited supply. For LTC, I broaden the concept of the residual welfare state, linking it to the organization of public services, labour conditions, and service quality.
Date of Award4 Sept 2023
Original languageEnglish
SupervisorMargarita Leon Ramon Borja (Director)

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