Work family-life balance and social investment strategies in Denmark(<Special Issue>Work-family life and social investment in care for children and elderly : Denmark and Japan)

Abstract

This article analyses and discusses the options and possibilities of combining work and family life in a universal welfare state, e. g. Denmark. Related to the ability to combine work and family life is the welfare states investment in affordable and high quality day care and a perspective on caring for elderly citizens. The theoretical underpinnings of universal welfare states is given and also the reason why it has been important to ensure and be able to combine work and family life. The article shows how Denmark, Sweden and Finland compare with countries from other and different types of welfare states in Europe with regard to the caring for children, female participation rates and support to the elderly. Support to families in cash is also discussed including the size of the state budget to family policy. Besides presenting central quantitative indicators the article also gives a short historical depiction of especially the development in family policy in Denmark. Finally, the article offers an explanation of how and why it has been possible to develop a comprehensive welfare state in Denmark.