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Gender, Cash and Informal Care: European Perspectives and Dilemmas

ABSTRACT Recent feminist literature on care has suggested that, conceptually, it is better to dissolve the boundaries between ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ care when analysing care. This article suggests that there are policy developments taking place, both in Britain and in some of the countries of Europe, which are dissolving the boundaries between formal and informal care, particularly as far as payment for care is concerned. It is argued that, in this case, far from benefit systems being a form of ‘decommodification’ they are actually a form of ‘commodification’ of the caring relationship. The article then explores these empirical developments, considers their gendered nature and genderedimpact, and their possible consequences for the relationship between care-giver and care-recipient.