This book uses data from Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden to rethink welfare policy.

1. Introduction: changes in the social order; 2. Politicising childcare; 3. Work, family and the welfare state: problems of reconciliation; 4. Parental leave: childcare refamilised; 5. From mother's wage to parental choice: cash benefits for childcare; 6. Childcare as a social right: family change and policy reform.