Germany outpaces Austria in childcare policy: the historical contingencies of ‘conservative’ childcare policy

Abstract

The article compares the development of childcare policies in Germany and Austria. Although both countries are characterized by a conservative welfare regime, they developed very different childcare policies. Historically speaking, Austria pioneered in the introductory period whereas Germany outpaced Austria with the latest reforms. The article argues that ideological party differences account for policy change. The gender and family models promoted by the governing parties shaped the development of childcare policies decisively. But party positions changed over time due to general emancipation processes, intra-party conflicts and constraints by coalition partners. Thus, the ‘parties matter’ thesis explains policy development only partly. The historical context of policy making has to be taken into consideration as well.