ADAPTING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE IN THE WELFARE STATE LANDSCAPE

Abstract

This thesis aims to investigate the adaptation of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in Italy and Sweden in response to the European Child Guarantee (ECG), illustrating how EU social policies are interpreted within contrasting welfare state regimes. By conducting a comparative case study analysis of the Italian and Swedish family policies, educational frameworks, and National Action Plans (NAPs) for the ECG, within the context of differing welfare state regimes, the study reflects the phenomena of EU policy harmonization and the influence of path dependency. Employing theoretical frameworks from Esping-Andersen (1990), Ferrera (1996), and Leitner (2003), the study addresses the research question: How are Italy and Sweden adapting early childhood education and care services following the European Child Guarantee establishment? The findings suggests that ECEC serve as a perfect example of social policy where the EU’s intention for harmonization of social policies is evident, with Italy displaying signs of convergence toward EU objectives, modifying some of its familialistic attitudes, and Sweden already aligns with the EU’s policy framework.