After - Work

Abstract

The thesis critically examines existing dichotomies in the spatial and tem- poral aspects of (elder)care provision ranging from concepts of private and public space, over the family, the welfare state, and the private market as central units of care. Moreover, it actively questions the contemporary spa- tial representations of these three units because eldercare is often hidden in the private household, the nursing home in the urban periphery, or ageing is treated as a lifestyle for the affluent. The theoretical repositioning of these aspects is then reflected in a spatial understanding through the scales: from the regional of the Grand Re- gion Luxembourg to the neighbourhood level in Howald, Bonnevoie, and Hamm. The context shows a highly mobile labour market in general and in the field of health and long-term care. Currently, Luxembourg is dependent on cross-border workers from its neighbouring countries. With the general ageing of European populations, the ageing of cross-borders will be a chal- lenge for the labour market in the region. Next to this challenge, the thesis examines the relationship between care and the private household. More- over, the family as an institution of care is becoming ever more heteroge- neous regarding cultural background, composition, and size, which is often not reflected in policies and models of care provision and housing. Ranging from theory on social reproductive labour, gender, and spatial jus- tice, the thesis uses utopian precedents to imagine new ways of communal life centred around care. It presents scenarios that explore future trends in mobility and technology and their application in care work. These scenar- ios function as imaginaries for a collective future beyond binary concep- tions of care work and offer a new direction in the planning of housing and care provision. By later presenting the personal experience of the caregiver and receiver through speculative storytelling, the study advocates for more agency for both groups alike in planning and governing care.