Social Mobility, Care Policies, and Social Protection

In this study, we shed light on the connections between social mobility and social protection related to care. The objective is to examine women's opportunities for choice and life achievements in terms of social mobility. In particular, it proposes a broader human development approach that, beyond education, health, and social security, integrates the contribution of both paid and unpaid care work to individuals' wellbeing and social mobility. The results confirm that early childhood care services and care for other population groups, lifelong social security in the households of origin, and women's opportunities to participate in the labour market have positive effects on their social mobility and thus contributes to reducing inequality.

This paper is part of a research project supported by the Extension of the EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities.