This groundbreaking comparative study provides a cross-national and cross-sectoral study of care work in Europe today, covering policy, provision and practice. It provokes much-needed new thinking about the current situation and future direction of care work.

Claire Cameron is a researcher at Thomas Coram Research Unit, University of London.

Peter Moss is Professor of Early Childhood Provision at the Institute of Education, University of London.

1. Introduction: Context and Methods 2. The Care Workforce: Structure, Profile and Work Conditions 3. What is Care Work About: Understandings and Practices 4. Education and Competence for Care Work 5. Gender Issues for Male and Female Care Workers 6. Quality of Employment and Job Satisfaction 7.Conclusions, Questions and Implications