Φύλο, φροντίδα και πολιτικές συμφιλίωσης εργασίας και οικογένειας στην πανδημία

Abstract

The article examines the rapid rise of care needs during the pandemic and its impact on gender relations, as well as the policies for the reconciliation of work and life. Starting from a broader analysis of the main trends in work-life balance at the European level, the article moves on to discuss the Greek case, which shows some peculiarities associated with the welfare state model. It draws conclusions about the relevant policies and argues that the prevailing policy framework does not raise gender equality as a primary issue but prioritizes the strengthening of motherhood as a means to address the demographic deficit. These policies appear as if they concern women only and their role in reproduction, while the potential involvement of men and the sharing of care responsibilities remain at the margins. Gender is thus silenced as a dynamic relationship that changes, as are the male care practices that have been transformed due to the pandemic, leading to renegotiations of the gender division of labor within Greek homes and families.