A Long History of Failure: Feeling the Effects of Canada’s Childcare Policy

Abstract

Th is paper is intended to contribute to a historical understanding of the notion of the deserving poor, as seen in the development of childcare policy in Canada. Social policies that are primarily directed towards women demonstrate that the concept of deserving is fundamentally framed by the gendered devaluing of reproductive work within capitalism. Capitalist economies, by defi nition, give preference to private self-reliance over public responsibility, and this has historically reinforced particular norms and values and traditional gender roles. The history of childcare policy in Canada reflects the gendered nature of the capitalist labour market and how inequalities have prevailed despite attempts to reduce gender disparity through legislation. This paper examines Canadian discourse on issues of childcare and social policy since the postwar period and demonstrates that neoliberal practices have created an increasing population of undeserving and ineligible poor. Looking at the origins of Canada’s social policy, the development of childcare policies in the post–World War II period, and subsequent transitional periods will help to develop insights into current childcare policies. Th e apparent link between neoliberalism, the deserving poor, and the gendered devaluing of reproductive work is demonstrated through policies that deliberately push for an emphasis on individualism and consumption as a source of identity and a vehicle for social participation, 1