When care becomes commodified

An analysis of private tax deductible care services

Abstract

Since the introduction of the RUT tax deduction in 2007, the sector for domestic services has expanded, and people over the age of 65 now constitute one of the largest user groups (Riksrevisionen 2020:34). An increasing number of companies offer services targeting older people and their relatives. Based on interviews with RUT-companies, employer organisations and trade unions, the aim of this article is to analyse the position of care services in relation to publicly funded eldercare, as well as to examine what characterises care when it is commodified. The findings indicate that the demand for care services can be linked to cutbacks in eldercare, which may deepen inequalities. Furthermore, the results show that marketisation transforms care relationships, while care remains gendered.