Theorization of the informal care markets from the perspective of global care chains focuses mostly on feminization and racialization of the field. Some recent research does, however, also discuss male migrant care workers, while national male care workers in informal care markets remain overlooked. The entrance of men into such an extremely feminized and racialized field, and also as extremely disrespected as care work in private homes is, represents a challenge to the “hegemonic masculinity”. Drawing on ethnographic data this presentation explores how national informal paid male care workers in child and elder care respond to these potential threats to their masculine identity by employing the strategy of professionalization and a vision of care entrepreneurship in order to distance themselves from feminized and racialized definitions and practices of care work.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 1038189In this lecture studies were presented which show that there is not ‘‘one’’ single factor associated with men’s larger involvement and gender-equal practice at home, but rather many factors are concerned. These factors include gender-equal norms and opinions, gender-balanced income and resources, younger age and nontraditional gender identity. Special attention was devoted to gender equality and welfare factors. As pointed out by comparative studies of welfare systems, existing policy packages (such as public family leave, working time regulation, childcare systems, etc.) support parents’ time for care and foster gender equality regarding the division of labor. Those countries with an emphasis on gender equality and a good welfare system generally have the most gender-balanced division of care work.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 1038445