ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the neoliberalisation of Scandinavian family policies from the 1970s to the 2000s, focusing on childcare and parental leave in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. While Scandinavian welfare states are renowned for their progressive family policies, the neoliberal era introduced significant shifts, emphasizing parental choice, family responsibility, and market-oriented solutions. Through a qualitative analysis of party manifestos and policy changes, the chapter explores how centre-left and centre-right parties adapted their ideological stances on family-state relations. Our findings reveal that, rather than dismantling welfare structures, neoliberalisation in Scandinavia reinterpreted the role of the state, promoting a unique blend of individualism and state support. The Nordic model evolved, maintaining its welfare foundations while incorporating neoliberal elements, leading to varied national approaches. This chapter contributes to the understanding of how neoliberal ideas can coexist with robust welfare states, highlighting the distinctive path taken by Scandinavian countries in family policy development.
