The Costs of Children

Family policies vary considerably across the European Union in two distinct ways: in how they affect levels of female employment and pay; and, in the degree to which they adhere to the principle of equality of treatment. The accession of former communist countries to the EU, which under socialism actively encouraged female labour force participation through extensive state-funded childcare, adds another perspective to debates about family policy and gender regimes. In contrast to the much-praised Nordic model of female-friendly childcare services, the closure of many state-run childcare centres and a reported ‘return’ to a male-breadwinner model in the new European democracies complicates any assumed links between gender equality and democratic values such as social justice and citizenship.

More about the background and full programme here.