Defamilization typology re-examined: Re-measuring the economic independence of women in welfare states

Abstract

Defamilization typologies are a product of the feminist critique of the modelling of welfare states. A growing literature has employed the notion of defamilization and incorporated the gender dimension into the comparative examination of welfare state regimes. The purpose of this study is to further refine the defamilization typology by addressing the existing limitations and providing better operationalization. Based on previous work, this study uses cluster analysis to classify the same countries, but uses different measures and more up-to-date data. The article begins with a conceptual delineation of defamilization to reveal its important aspects in order to achieve better operationalization. A cluster analysis is then conducted, with preliminary efforts to validate the cluster solution. The findings suggest a fourfold typology according to the varying degree of defamilization. Implications for future research will also be discussed.