Caring for children and the elderly in Argentina: A grammar of class and gender inequalities. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faur, Eleonor; Pereyra, Francisca
• Is Part Of: Women's studies international forum. Volume 72(2019)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Social organization of care -- Childcare -- Elderly care -- Gender -- Social class -- Argentina; Women's studies -- Periodicals; Feminism -- Periodicals; 305.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2018.11.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-5395

Abstract

Abstract: This article examines the social organization of care for children and dependent older adults in Argentina, based on data from the National Survey on Social Structure. It analyzes perceptions and practices around care in public and private institutions, home-based care services, and care provided by families, with a particular focus on gender implications. Due to a shortage of public services, care is highly feminized, largely performed by families, and subject to class inequalities. Although family care tends to be preferred for early childhood, among mothers with better labor opportunities there is a growing (and often unmet) demand for public care services. The outsourcing of care is more widely accepted for the elderly, for whom there is an acute lack of public services, but only better-off families can afford these privatized solutions. In both cases, the organization of care reflects shortfalls in care policies and deep-rooted cultural patterns. Highlights: High levels of feminization and provision of care within the family in Argentina Commodification of care services for young children and the elderly Households from higher socioeconomic strata are more likely to outsource care. Private care services are more common for the elderly than for children. Higher demand for childcare services among better-educated women