Welfare Reform on the Web (November 2001): Care of the Elderly - Overseas

INEQUALITY IN THE WELFARE STATE? LOCAL VARIATION IN THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY: THE CASE OF SWEDEN

G.B. Trydegard and M. Thorslund

International Journal of Social Welfare, Vol. 10, 2001, p. 174-184.

Responsibility for services for older people in Sweden lies with the municipalities. Article analyses national statistical data on municipalities to map out variations in old age care; to study compensating factors in the care system; and to explore the connection with municipal structural and political conditions. The large differences found between municipalities makes it makes it more appropriate to talk about a multitude of "welfare municipalities" rather than one single welfare state. Concludes that this municipal disparity constitutes a greater threat to the principle of equality in care for the elderly than gender and socio economic differences.