CARERS AND SERVICES - FACTORS MEDIATING SERVICE PROVISION

The article explores factors mediating the relationship between carers and service provision, exploring the judgements and expectations that lie behind the complex and sometimes seemingly inconsistent pattern o f provision for carers. The article which is based on an empirical stu dy teases out a series of factors that structure responses in this are a covering: the attitude adopted by the carer to his or her caring rol e; the views of the cared-for person and other kin; the impact of diff erent relationships, of what we term 'moral status', and of the existe nce or otherwise of a separate future for the cared-for person, as wel l as more social structural factors such as gender, age, class and rac e. The significance of these is explored through their impact on the a ssumptions of both service providers and carers.