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The Au Pair Scheme as ‘Cultural Exchange’: Effects of Norwegian Au Pair Policy on Gender Equality and Citizenship

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Paid Migrant Domestic Labour in a Changing Europe

Part of the book series: Citizenship, Gender and Diversity ((FEMCIT))

Abstract

This chapter analyses the way in which gender equality and inclusion, as primary dimensions of citizenship in Norwegian contemporary policies, are at stake when it comes to female work migration. Focusing on the restricted work migration regime and the au pair scheme as part of this, the chapter discusses the implications and effects of holding on to the definition of au pairing as cultural exchange and au pairs as students, and denying mothers the opportunity to become au pairs. It shows how gender and ‘race’ produce inequality with respect to inclusion, citizenship and gender equality. The analysis is based on Norwegian government policies relating to the au pair scheme over the past 40 years via government and parliamentary policy documents, administrative regulations and rules, and media statements.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Hereinafter EAAP 1969.

  2. 2.

    Host families having au pairs from countries in the EU/EEA likewise often use the visa au pair contract. See the chapters of Stubberud and Kristensen in this volume.

  3. 3.

    Oral presentation at the conference ‘Au pairordningen, Balansekunst mellom arbeid og kultur’, 11.10.2013, Oslo.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Centre for Gender Studies, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway

    Berit Gullikstad & Trine Annfelt

Authors
  1. Berit Gullikstad
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  2. Trine Annfelt
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Norwegian University of Science and Tech Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Trondheim, Norway

    Berit Gullikstad

  2. Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Norwegian University of Science and Tech Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Trondheim, Norway

    Guro Korsnes Kristensen

  3. Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Norwegian University of Science and Tech Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture, Jakobsli, Trondheim, Norway

    Priscilla Ringrose

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Gullikstad, B., Annfelt, T. (2016). The Au Pair Scheme as ‘Cultural Exchange’: Effects of Norwegian Au Pair Policy on Gender Equality and Citizenship. In: Gullikstad, B., Kristensen, G., Ringrose, P. (eds) Paid Migrant Domestic Labour in a Changing Europe. Citizenship, Gender and Diversity. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-51742-5_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-51742-5_3

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-51741-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-51742-5

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