How EU Policies on Work and Family Affect Germany's Approach

What is it about?

The article explores the evolving dynamics of work and family life reconciliation (WFLR) policies within the European Union (EU), focusing on Germany as a case study. It highlights the shift in gender roles and family models, particularly the decline of the traditional male breadwinner model and the rise of dual-earner families. These changes have influenced women's social status but also introduced new challenges, such as balancing work and family responsibilities. The EU has implemented various strategies to address these issues, but the impact varies across member states due to national policy autonomy and differing domestic actors' ideologies. In Germany, conservative political views have led to incomplete adaptation of EU standards. The article employs Europeanisation theory to examine the interplay between EU directives and national policy-making, emphasizing the dual process of EU influence and domestic response.

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Photo by Christian Paul Stobbe on Unsplash

Photo by Christian Paul Stobbe on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important because it examines the complex issue of work and family life reconciliation (WFLR) within the context of Europeanisation, specifically focusing on Germany. Understanding how EU policies on WFLR are adopted and implemented in member states provides insight into the interplay between EU directives and national policies. This study highlights the challenges and dynamics of policy adaptation, influenced by domestic political actors and their ideologies. The research contributes to the broader discourse on gender roles, social policy, and the effectiveness of EU interventions in shaping national policies. Key Takeaways: 1. Policy Adaptation Challenges: The research identifies that EU pressures to harmonize WFLR policies do not always translate into policy changes at the national level, as seen in Germany, where domestic political ideologies play a significant role in shaping outcomes. 2. Gender Ideology Influence: Differing gender ideologies within Germany's political landscape significantly affect the implementation and effectiveness of WFLR policies, highlighting the importance of domestic actors in the Europeanisation process. 3. Europeanisation Dynamics: The study illustrates that Europeanisation involves both a top-down and bottom-up process, where member states not only receive EU directives but also attempt to influence EU policy-making based on their preferences and capacities.