The HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences Institute for Sociology cordially invites you to

 

Caring communities as possible actors of transformative change in senior care: Municipal practices and civil initiatives in rural Hungary

 

Lecturers: Gábriel Dóra (HUN-REN CSS Institute for Sociology); Katona Noémi ((HUN-REN CSS Institute for Sociology)

Discussants:  Csurgó Bernadett (HUN-REN CSS Institute for Sociology) és Feischmidt Margit ((HUN-REN CSS Institute for Minority) 

Date: 25 May, . 1pm

Venue: HUN-REN Centre for Social Sciences Institute for Sociology, 1097 Budapest, Tóth Kálmán utca 4. Room B1.15

Online: Zoom link: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82029845249?pwd=AtjJUs6zo6B9p1wktiDV3TjUoj7oF3.1

Meeting ID: 820 2984 5249
Passcode: 127538

Abstract: 

The Hungarian senior care sector shows in some regards particular tendencies. Unlike the dominant marketization trends in neighboring countries, in Hungary unsupported familialism policies have been introduced and the senior care sector is becoming increasingly churchified. The state withdraws from providing decent social care services and puts the responsibility on individuals and families. Alternatively, a number of initiations and informal solutions emerge in order to fill the care gap. Caring communities are important examples of intergenerational solidarity and organized attention towards the elderly. These initiations and communities are often closely linked to local governments, especially in rural areas. In this paper, we focus on rural settlements, and raise the following questions: 1) What are the main characteristics of caring communities in Hungarian villages; 2) How do caring communities develop and what kind of social and economic factors can be identified in their operation; 3) What kind of relations can be identified between the different stakeholders in the communities; 4) How are caring communities embedded in broader economic, social and power relations governing care? How far do caring communities challenge the neoliberal governing and the marketization of care? To what extent are they agents of a transformative change? We present three cases from the field of Southern Transdanubia. The empirical research was conducted between March – October 2023. Results demonstrate that the development of the existing care regime induces a growing need for caring communities and civil activity, which enhances intergenerational solidarity within the localities. Interestingly, although these initiatives express criticism about the marketization of care, the idea of market-based care solutions also appears in their narratives.