ABSTRACT
This chapter provides examples of the types of options available to working caregivers of children and/or aging parents in countries other than the United States (US). Few publications exist that take an international approach to examining work and family issues. The chapter attempts to represent in a brief and coherent fashion the various workplace and government supports provided to working couples in other countries. It also provides examples of family-friendly supports to working caregivers in countries throughout the world. In particular, the US lags far behind other industrialized nations with respect to government support of working caregivers to children and/or elders. One way to understand national differences in the degree of governmental support provided to working caregivers is offered by Esping-Andersen's discussion of the social foundations of postindustrial economies. As Esping-Andersen noted, the countries of western Europe, North America, and Japan vary with respect to the systems that are responsible for the welfare of their citizens.
