«Good Pay for Good Work»? Legitimation and Criticism in the Regulation Process of Round-the-Clock Elderly Care in Swiss Private Households

Abstract

This article focuses on efforts to regulate live-in care in Swiss households. Based on a sociology of legitimation, the model is conceptualised as a fragile order with a need for legitimation, and expectations towards its regulation are examined. While claims to justice serve as principles of criticism, austerity-based claims legitimise the arrangement. The need for adjustment is dealt with in a way that the model remains possible. Regulation remains fragmented and the debate about costs overshadows the question of how to (re-)organise long-term care.

Keywords

• care work
• live-in care
• regulation
• legitimation
• migration