ABSTRACT
The Scandinavian states are labelled as predominantly social democratic, although they also reveal “liberal” elements. The United Kingdom provides an example of the liberal, residualist cluster, while Austria, Germany, Italy, and France are identified as belonging to the class of conservative welfare states. Different forms of the welfare state encourage different forms of motherhood. In the 1970s, the Scandinavian welfare states, acknowledging the parental status of workers – mothers and fathers – passed legislation instituting or expanding the working parent’s entitlements. The introduction of public day care is often interpreted as necessitated by the labour market participation of mothers, which at 70–80 per cent is considerably higher than what is seen in most countries in western Europe. The provision of high-quality day care is commonly regarded as a national concern and is incorporated as a part of the welfare state service system in all the Scandinavian countries.
