A1 Journal article (refereed)
Assembled policies : the Finnish case of restricted entitlement to early childhood education and care (2019)


Paananen, M., Kuukka, A., & Alasuutari, M. (2019). Assembled policies : the Finnish case of restricted entitlement to early childhood education and care. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 8(2), 252-272. https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/114115

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Paananen, Maiju; Kuukka, Anu; Alasuutari, Maarit

Journal or series: Journal of Early Childhood Education Research

eISSN: 2323-7414

Publication year: 2019

Volume: 8

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 252-272

Publisher: Suomen Varhaiskasvatus ry.

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: English

Persistent website address: https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/114115

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/67558


Abstract

In this article, we utilize an application of Deleuze and Quattari’s (1987) concept of assemblage to explore and better understand the interconnectedness and materiality of the policies of early childhood education and care (ECEC). To exemplify how directing our focus to assemblages can further the understanding of policies in the everyday life of families, we will present a Finnish case of entitlement to ECEC. Since 1996, children under school age have enjoyed the entitlement to full-day ECEC
provided by local authorities. In 2016, the Finnish parliament enforced new legislation that allows municipalities to limit this entitlement to 20 hours per week unless the child’s parents work or study full-time. By drawing on interviews with parents of one-year-old children (n=14), we will illuminate the component parts of ECEC arrangements. The case offers empirical insights in terms of how constructing
ECEC policies as “assembled” can aid us in contesting two beliefs that have a firm position in the public debate: the idea of the parent’s “free choice” and the notion of national policies having a hegemonic role in determining opportunities for agency.


Keywords: early childhood education and care; child care; politics


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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2019

JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2023-03-10 at 13:29