Stina Johansson

Caring while living apart

Abstract In recent years, researchers have paid increasing attention to die issue of care in die new types of family and partner relationships. The aim of this study is to examine expectations and attitudes concerning care among elderly people in LAT (Living Apart Togetiier)- relationships in Sweden, that is, people who have a long-term intimate relationship, but who do not share a common home. Questionnaires were completed by 116 elderly people in LAT-relationships. Partners are ranked as the main providers of care, especially by men, but mere is considerable variation in die answers. This seems to be principally related to the degree of flexibility in this type of relationship. Some individuals see a LAT-relationship as a marriage-like relationship, while otiiers see it primarily as a type of relationship mat guarantees diem the possibility of maintaining tiieir own independent way of life.

Population ageing in a lifecourse perspective: developing a conceptual framework

ABSTRACT Population ageing is a global trend that affects individual life plans, family arrangements, market structures, care provisions and pension schemes. We combine insights from demography and lifecourse research to understand better the causes of population ageing. Demography explains population ageing by describing changes in fertility, mortality and migration rates. Lifecourse research argues that these rates are interconnected because they are embedded in the lifecourses of individuals. An individuals experiences at an early age can influence behaviours at a later age, thereby creating continuity throughout the lifecourse. Additionally, lifecourse research underlines that social networks – such as families – and countries influence lifecourse. Thus, historical events and past experiences have already set the course for todays demographic changes. Moreover, the effects of policies that strive to influence population ageing will not be evident for years or even decades to come. This paper introduces a conceptual framework that explains how the lifecourse perspective can be applied to the phenomenon of population ageing and illustrates the framework through a case study of Germany. The case study highlights that insights from the micro-, meso- and macro-levels need to be combined to achieve a deeper understanding of population ageing. Scholars can use the framework presented in this paper as a guideline for merging arguments from demography and lifecourse research in future studies.

Universal old-age pension in an aging China: Can China learn from Sweden?

This work addresses the two questions of how China can respond to its rapidly aging population and whether China can learn from the experiences of Sweden when establishing a universal pension system. Two different demographic transitions are analysed: the slowly aging Swedish population, and the rapidly aging Chinese population. This work discusses adaptations and dilemmas in the labour market and in family structures in response to balances and imbalances in these demographic structures. Measuring instruments need to be adapted to a changing situation. Family care contributions must be recognized. What is considered a fair distribution of welfare must be further analysed.

The Significance of Education for Establishment in the Care Sector: Women and Men and Care Workers with a Migrant Background

In this article, we have followed women and men with a Swedish or an immigrant background that have completed the Upper Secondary Health Care Program. In which occupations do they work? Who employs them? Which target groups do they serve? Official statistics and survey data were used. The interaction between occupational structure and educational experiments was in focus. Gendered and cultural segregation and concentration within and between occupational groups were analysed in relation to defined target groups and employer. We found that official statistics were not sensitive enough to capture the latent structure, while the survey uncovered signs of concentration and segregation of the care workers to certain occupations or target groups. Traditional career patterns were strengthened. Elderly care attracted women while mental care attracted men. We also found some unexpected paths among immigrant workers who chose more autonomous niches.