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Between 1902 and 1972, Norway was the only country in Western Europe in which cohabitation without marriage was forbidden by law ("the concubinage clause"). Thirteen years after this arguably repressive clause was written into the criminal code, the Children Acts were introduced, giving Norwegian children born out of wedlock stronger social rights than in any other country at the time. Norway thus granted strong protection for children born outside marriage while extramarital sex in itself—in some circumstances—was forbidden. How can this paradox be understood? It has been argued that the Children Acts presupposed the concubinage clause, that the silk glove of the welfare state was only made possible by the iron fist of criminal law. This article studies the political debates preceding the two provisions and argues that both grewout of a particular understanding of the relationship between men and women. Extramarital sex was seen as something men did to women; thus, it could be argued that strengthening women's position in relation to that of men would lead to less immorality. Both the concubinage clause and the Children Acts were seen as means to this end.

The Norwegian Parliament passed new rules for child maintenance determination in 2001. This article discusses the 2001 reform, and the debate preceding it, in the light of literature on changing 'breadwinner assumptions' in social policy. It is argued that the reform was a clear example of the politicisation of fatherhood in Norway, in that a key concern was to encourage continued care from non-resident fathers. Much less attention was paid to the situation of custodial parents, and to children's material needs. In assuming that parents living apart will conform to the (yet unusual) dual earner/dual carer model, policy makers may be putting undue stress on vulnerable families.

"This overview focuses on current family policies in Norway, but a brief historical background is given where this is relevant. It covers aspects of family law (adoption, abortion, parental rights) as well as family policy (parental leave, child-care, out-of-school care, taxation, family benefits, benefits for lone parents). Norwegian policies since the mid-1980s have clearly moved in the direction of the 'dual earner-dual carer' model, but this development is not uncontested. The authors argue that the basic tension in present-day Norwegian family policies is between the wish to promote desirable family practices (including increased involvement from men) on the one hand, and the wish to maintain neutrality and increase parental choice on the other. The father's quota in parental leave and the cash-for-care benefit can be seen as prime examples of each approach. Controversies in this area tend to follow the political left-right axis, with the left favouring gender equality and service provision, and the right preferring cash transfers and the promotion of parental choice." (author's abstract).

"This overview focuses on current family policies in Norway, but a brief historical background is given where this is relevant. It covers aspects of family law (adoption, abortion, parental rights) as well as family policy (parental leave, child-care, out-of-school care, taxation, family benefits, benefits for lone parents). Norwegian policies since the mid-1980s have clearly moved in the direction of the 'dual earner-dual carer' model, but this development is not uncontested. The authors argue that the basic tension in present-day Norwegian family policies is between the wish to promote desirable family practices (including increased involvement from men) on the one hand, and the wish to maintain neutrality and increase parental choice on the other. The father's quota in parental leave and the cash-for-care benefit can be seen as prime examples of each approach. Controversies in this area tend to follow the political left-right axis, with the left favouring gender equality and service provision, and the right preferring cash transfers and the promotion of parental choice." (author's abstract)

How to respond to the needs of working parents has become a pressing social policy issue in contemporary Western Europe. This book highlights the politicising of parenthood in the Scandinavian welfare states - focusing on the relationship between parents and the state, and the ongoing renegotiations between the public and the private. Drawing on new empirical research, leading Scandinavian academics provide an up-to-date record and critical synthesis of Nordic work-family reforms since the 1990s. A broad range of policies targeting working parents is examined including: the expansion of childcare services as a social right; parental leave; cash benefits for childcare; and working hours regulations. The book also explores policy discourses, scrutinises outcomes, and highlights the similarities and differences between Nordic countries through analyses of comparative statistical data and national case studies. Set in the context of economic restructuring and the growing influence of neo-liberal ideology, each chapter addresses concerns about the impact of policies on the gender relations of parenthood. Politicising parenthood in Scandinavia is a timely contribution to ongoing policy debates on welfare state models, parenthood and gender equality. It will be of particular interest to students and teachers of welfare studies, family policy and gender studies

This book provides an essential one-stop introduction to the key concepts, issues, policies and practices affecting child welfare, with particular emphasis on the changing nature of the relationship between child welfare and social policy. No other book brings together such a wide selection of material to form an attractive and indispensable teaching and learning resource. Child welfare and social policy provides readers with an historical overview of child welfare in England and Wales; high quality contributions from leading authorities in the field; discursive introductions to each section that set individual chapters in the broader context of childhood studies and case study material to bring discussions to life. Key topics covered include morality and child welfare; relations between law, medicine, social work, social theory and child welfare; children's rights and democratic citizenship and children as raw material for 'social investment'. Child welfare and social policy is invaluable reading for students and academics in social policy, sociology, education and social work. It is also a useful resource for health and social work professionals wishing to follow current debates in theory and practice