THE PRODUCTION OF CHILD-CARE SERVICES IN SWEDEN - UNEVEN DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL SOLUTIONS

This article deals with the production and regional development of chi ld care services in Sweden. The production of social services outside the home is discussed in relation to labour market needs and equal opp ortunities. Staffing, organisation and extension of child care service s, as well as restructuring trends are dealt with. The services studie d are characterised by local solutions. Reasons for local variations a re discussed with special references to labour marker factors, politic al tradition and level of urbanisation. No single factor can explain t he variations. Explanations have to be found in the specific local mix of factors.