Towards Integration of Defamilialization Theory

Coexistence of Welfare Regime Theory and Feminist Welfare State Theory

Abstract

Defamilialization theory, which emerged in the 1990s, explores the reduction of caregiving responsibilities within families, particularly in relation to childcare and eldercare. This theory evolved alongside Esping-Andersen's welfare regime theory and the feminist welfare state theory, which critiques Esping-Andersen and incorporates a family-oriented perspective. Despite their shared focus on the interplay between welfare states and families, the theory has since split into two distinct academic approaches. Consequently, empirical research on defamilialization has progressed without a platform for mutual dialog. This study first reviews the development of these two branches of the defamilialization theory, tracing their divergent paths since the 1990s. The split arose because mainstream comparative welfare research failed to recognize the version of defamilialization developed in the early 1990s. Consequently, both branches continued to coexist without referencing each other's ideas. Next, the study underscores that an exclusive reliance on one of these approaches inadequately reflects the nuances of defamilialization in regions such as Southern Europe and East Asia in comparative welfare research. Lastly, it argues that fostering a mutually verifiable research that overcomes the coexistence of the defamilialization theories can enhance discussions around family policy formulation in these regions.