The sustainability of family support systems in the 21st century: comparing Sweden and Lithuania

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Švedija (Sweden); Šeimos politika; Parama šeimai; Vaiko priežiūros atostogos; Vyresnio amžiaus žmonės; Globa; Family policy; Family support; Parental leave; Elderly care.

ENThis chapter seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges that public family support systems experience in the 21st century by closely focusing on two rarely compared country cases of Sweden and Lithuania. The findings show that in the 21st century, the policies that address gender equality, such as parental leave benefits, are highly appreciated and needed by the population. The low ratings of elderly care and disabled children’s support shows that in the future policy makers in both countries have to fulfil the increasing demands for care services if they want to have sustainable family support systems. In Lithuania, the emphasis on means-testing in the family support system does not prove to be a sustainable strategy. Despite the long-lasting tradition in supporting families according to the proven need, the respondents view them as the least adequate support provided by the state. [Publisher annotation]