The EU childcare strategy in times of austerity (2015)

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Type of Content
Journal ArticlePublisher
Informa UK LimitedISSN
0964-90691469-9621
Language
enCollections
Abstract
© 2015 Taylor & Francis. The importance of accessible, affordable, flexible and high-quality childcare facilities is acknowledged by the European Union (EU) as an essential element to achieving gender equality and full employment for parents. However, legal and policy development in this area has been slow and lacking cohesion. Following the 2008 financial crisis, EU intervention on childcare issues appears to have been dictated by economic priorities and by the rights of the child. The early underpinning of childcare policy with the principle of gender equality is fading fast. This article argues that to date childcare remains dominated by rhetoric: the targets set are far from being achieved, disparities between Member States continue to occur, and women in Europe continue to bear the cost of reproduction disproportionately. In this context, childcare remains gendered, unvalued, unaccounted for and often unpaid.
Citation
Masselot A (2015). The EU childcare strategy in times of austerity. Journal of Social Welfare & Family Law. 37(3). 345-355.This citation is automatically generated and may be unreliable. Use as a guide only.
Keywords
austerity; childcare; EU; gender equality; reconciliation; work-familyANZSRC Fields of Research
48 - Law and legal studies::4803 - International and comparative law::480304 - European Union law48 - Law and legal studies::4804 - Law in context::480407 - Law, gender and sexuality (incl. feminist legal scholarship)