Diplomarbeit aus dem Jahr 2009 im Fachbereich Sozialpädagogik / Sozialarbeit, Note: 1, 0, Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: The general framework of informal care differs significantly between Germany and Sweden. The present paper analyses these differences and their impact on family carers situation based on the multidimensional concept of social exclusion.
Elder care in Germany is provided within the framework of a Bismarkian, conservative corporatist welfare state. The design of the German supplemental care benefits results in familialism, particularly for carers of lower socio economic classes. Its strong male bread winner model and strong traditional gender role expectations constitute a high risk of marginalisation for women.
The swedish welfare system is considered to be social democratic. De-familializing strategies, comparatively weak traditional gender role expectations, a weak male breadwinner model and comprehensive public care provision minimizes the risk of marginalisation for carers.
The results of recent European surveys support the hypothesis of a lower risk of marginalisation for carers in Sweden: Swedish carers face a far lower risk of exclusion from the labour market, a lower risk of financial marginalisation, are less likely affected by health impairments and face a lower risk of social isolation compared to German carers.