Countries

The failure of orthodox economic models to generate growth and eradicate poverty has led to renewed interest in social policy (seen as part of the ‘post-Washington Consensus’). Drawing on a comparative research project, this paper illustrates why the current agenda of social sector restructuring (which strengthens commercial provision and social insurance models based on ‘labour market ’ contributions) is likely to entrench gender inequalities in access to social services and income supports, while doing little to enhance the capacity of families, communities, and societies to provide care (both paid and unpaid) that is fundamental to human welfare. Despite the ‘pro-poor ’ and ‘productivist’ policy rhetoric, the actual design of ‘new ’ social policies is largely blind to the needs of those who provide unpaid care (i.e. their contributions do not count). To address these concerns would require a major re-thinking of social policy, placing issues of redistribution and solidarity (cross-subsidies) at the heart of policy design. This is essential if unpaid work is to be ‘counted in ’ and valued, and if the providers of unpaid care are to get access to entitlements as citizens in their own right