Reconciliation Policy in Germany 1998-2008: Construing the 'Problem' of the Incompatibility of Paid Employment and Care Work [Paperback]

In all research, the choice of object is primary and decisive. This refers to the set of c- cepts which determines the delimitation among the totality of phenomena of those selected as objects of analysis(Topalov 1979: 446). In this quote Topalov addresses the fundamental illusion of empiricist research approaches: that objects of inquiry are self-evident givens. The rejection of this - piricist illusionconstitutes the foundation of this thesis. This thesis modifies a c- textual social constructionist paradigm of inquiry and combines it with a feminist standpoint in the analysis of policies claimed to be aimed at reconciling paid - ployment and care work in Germany from 1998 to 2005. 1.1 Genesis of the study The present study developed out of three interrelated strands of our intellectual - riosity which evolved, triggered by an engagement with a discipline unique to the UK in its approach, Social Policy. First, in what can be described as a fruitful int- lectual adaptation process to a new discipline, an initial interest in welfare state transformation in Eastern Europe developed into a keen interest in family policies.Theoretical positioning and literature review.- Methodology.- A brief history of the incompatibility problem.- Anti-discrimination policy.- Childcare policy.- Parental leave policy.- Working time policy.- Conclusion.Dr. Cornelius Grebe completed his PhD research at the University of Nottingham in 2008.Cornelius Grebe offers an analysis of work-family reconciliation policy in Germany during the Socialdemocrat-Green coalition government of 1998 to 2005. His emphasis lies on Anti-Discrimination Policy, Childcare Policy, Parental Leave Policy, and Working Time Policy. The study combines a social constructionist stance with an alternative feminist standpoint, thus offering a new methodology for political science. Although no ready-made solutions to the incompatibility problem are suggested, its changed representation is analyzed closely, leading tl#š