Quasi‐marketisation in domiciliary care: varied patterns, similar problems?
International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy
ISSN: 0144-333X
Article publication date: 26 April 2011
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to explore various types of quasi‐market governance in domiciliary elderly care with an interest in both the institutional variety of these governance arrangements and their assumable consequences, against the twofold background of the EU care policy agenda and the Nordic experience.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on evidence from four Western European countries, the paper examines how recent reforms have changed the provision of domiciliary care, including the shape of vertical and horizontal governance arrangements. Moreover, summarizing results of previous research and drawing on theoretical reflections rooted both in economics and sociology, the paper discusses the wider impact of these reforms.
Findings
The analysis points to country‐specific limitations of the quasi‐market approach regarding issues such as the work‐life balance of carers and the access to adequate services.
Originality/value
By combining different scientific approaches and exploring several institutional contexts, the paper offers new insights both in problems of quasi‐market governance and their cultural colouring.
Keywords
Citation
Bode, I., Gardin, L. and Nyssens, M. (2011), "Quasi‐marketisation in domiciliary care: varied patterns, similar problems?", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 31 No. 3/4, pp. 222-235. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443331111120654
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited