The Geary Seminar - 15th September 2026

On 15th September 2026 we welcomed Dr Ausra Cizauskaite, UCD School of Social Policy Social Work and Social Justice. Title: Bugged Out: Social Investment in Childcare: Exploring Women’s Subjective Assessments of Work-Care Balance Difficulties Abstract: Government-subsidised formal childcare is widely viewed as a key social investment (SI) policy supporting working women and gender equality by helping improve work-care balance. However, increased childcare provision does not automatically ensure better outcomes. Drawing on Eurofound’s European Quality of Life Survey, this study examines how employed women in the EU and UK assess balancing work and childcare, considering childcare type, access gaps, quality, cost and intensity. The findings challenge the SI framework, showing that formal childcare alone may not achieve its intended goals. Pre-existing gender norms, affordability and the quality of services must also be considered when designing policies to support working families.