The researchers are interested in analysing the determinants that influence the choice of child-care type. To reach this goal, a theoretical model is presented which assumes that families attempt to maximize total utility. Next, an econometric conditional logit model is designed, that is applied to a sample survey of Sevillian families.

The findings reveal that the choice of child care type depends fundamentally on the age of the child, the amount of hours needed and the socio-economic level of the family.

The study utilizes data from a 2003 survey of family care needs and arrangements conducted at Seville in the frame of a project developed for its City Hall. The City Census provided the sample population: households living in Seville with at least a child under three years old. According to the data of the Municipal Register, the number of families for which that circumstance is certain is 18.145.
Every respondent was requested to provide information on characteristics of his family, the type of arrangement used for taking care of children under three on a regular basis and the characteristics of that arrangement. Some of the families reported more than one
form of aid. In those cases, they were asked for the most important one.

In Spain the need for child care services has not found adequate response from the policy arena. Private solutions are commonplace and in many cases those solutions come from outside the market – relative care – or from informal markets – housekeepers. As for the City of Seville, our model shows that the demand for child care services is mostly determined by need and socioeconomic factors. Those families that need less hours of care tend to rely on relatives. With the increase in the hours needed, families increasingly look for aid outside the family.

The age of the child constitutes another view of need. With increasing age, parents tend to think that the child has to interact with other children, what explains preference for the nursery school option. Finally, in Spain, and more importantly in Southern Spain, having a housekeeper is considered a symbol of status. This fact explains why more educated parents tend to favour the babysitter alternative.

University of Seville
http://www.us.es/
Luis Palma

01/04/2005

Luis Palma and Cristina Borra

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Social services