Caring for Children Under Three Years in Two Different Models of Welfare States: The Cases of Spain and Norway

This paper examines the policies and resources regarding the care of children under three years of age in two European countries that represent two different models of Welfare State, on the one hand Spain, framed in the Mediterranean or familist model and, on the other hand, Norway, enclosed in the Scandinavian model. Indeed, the care of children under three years is a matter of particular relevance since it influences directly on work-life balance strategies and also on gender and social equality. These aspects have been analyzed using the most relevant theories about the principles and motivations of the different Welfare State models. Simultaneously we have examined the existing resources in both countries and the challenges faced as a result of the social transformations occurred in recent decades and, specifically, the modifications in family policies and resources during the current financial crisis.

Caring for Children Under Three Years in Two Different Models of Welfare States: The Cases of Spain and Norway Articles