Caring for Children and Older People in Europe - A Comparison of European Policies and Practice

The study of social care benefits is the Cinderella of welfare state analysis. Little is therefore known about the institutional design of these benefits, nor has much work been carried out as to what analytical frame should be adopted when analysing social care benefits. This article sets out to present a conceptual framework for the comparative understanding of social care benefits in arguing that the study of social care policies benefits from incorporating cash as well as service benefits, for the old as well as for children. Looking at the development of social care policies in seven countries over a period of 15 years reveals that social care has come under increasing focus. Policies have been evaluated with reference to the organization of care, the need for introducing new providers and for an increased share of user payment. Paradigms of efficiency, marketization and consumerism have challenged former paradigms of equity and professionalism, resulting in a greater mix of providers, as well as a benefit provision as high as ever in terms of number of recipients.