Marian Baird - Böcker

This book provides a comparative analysis of the social, economic, industrial and migration dynamics that structure women’s paid work and unpaid care work experience in the Asia-Pacific region. Each country-focused chapter examines the formal and informal ways in which work and care are managed, the changing institutional landscape, gender relations and fertility concerns, employer and trade union responses and the challenges policy makers face and the consequences of their decisions for working women. By covering the entire region, including Australia and New Zealand, the book highlights the way different national work and care regimes are linked through migration, with wealthier countries looking to their poorer neighbours for alternative sources of labour. In addition, the book contributes to debates about the barriers to women’s participation in the workforce, the valuation of unpaid care, the gender wage gap, social protection and labour regulation for migrant workers and gender relations in developing Asia.

This book examines the concept of retirement, how it has changed, and what the future holds for the next generation of retirees.The book analyses government data and university surveys of more than 1,000 retirees in Australia and 4,000 retirees in Sweden, as well as in-depth interviews with retirees in each country. It demonstrates that while both countries have differences in their retirement policies and practices, as well as the outcomes for retirees, the process of retirement is undergoing change in both countries as people retire at a range of ages, but often then re-enter the workforce for various reasons. The book proposes four distinctive post-retirement orientations: Stayers, Leavers, Blenders and Disengaged retirees. It then discusses how individuals, employers and governments are responding to the challenges of ‘retiring in a new age’, suggesting policies and a new social contract for retirees that addresses their needs for economic security, physical and mental health, as well as engagement with the wider community.A book of keen interest to scholars of employment and work relations, human resource management, as well as labour economics. Policymakers and students interested in employment issues that affect economic and social equality will also find the book’s framework fit for use. A full set of interview transcripts and discussion questions is available on the Routledge webpage for download: www.routledge.com/9781041118329

This book provides a comparative analysis of the social, economic, industrial and migration dynamics that structure women’s paid work and unpaid care work experience in the Asia-Pacific region. Each country-focused chapter examines the formal and informal ways in which work and care are managed, the changing institutional landscape, gender relations and fertility concerns, employer and trade union responses and the challenges policy makers face and the consequences of their decisions for working women. By covering the entire region, including Australia and New Zealand, the book highlights the way different national work and care regimes are linked through migration, with wealthier countries looking to their poorer neighbours for alternative sources of labour. In addition, the book contributes to debates about the barriers to women’s participation in the workforce, the valuation of unpaid care, the gender wage gap, social protection and labour regulation for migrant workers and gender relations in developing Asia.

Australia is at a much-needed turning point in work, care and family policy. Australian women, families and communities are struggling to manage the complex demands of work and care.Rapid social and demographic change, alongside new workplace, labour market trends and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, requires a policy revamp that will allow all Australians to work, care and be cared for.In seven chapters authored by leading scholars in the field, At a Turning Point: Work, care and family policies in Australia provides a comprehensive account of key policy areas that shape the experience of work and care across the life course. These include reproductive wellbeing, paid parental leave, early childhood education and care, flexible work, elder and disability care, and equitable systems of tax and transfer payments.At a Turning Point argues that a new social contract that puts gender equality, economic security and the well-being of carers and those they care for at the centre of policy design is essential to national productivity and prosperity.It is the foundation of a good society.