Is childcare policy a gendered or gender-neutral issue?: The justification logic of municipal bureaucrats in the policy implementation phase

Prior studies have indicated that female legislators often address 'women's issues.' Women's issues encompass gender-specific policies and family-oriented policies, such as child benefits, nurseries, education, and healthcare. Nevertheless, existing studies still need to scrutinize the policy implementation phase. Is there a difference in the logic of policy justification between male and female administrators during the policy implementation stage? This paper argues that the policy area traditionally classified as women's issues develop into widely recognized as gender-neutral policy at the policy implementation phase. Specifically, the focus centers on the childcare policy, where women encounter more challenges, including economic gender inequalities and the caregiving burden on women. This study examines West Germany. In particular, West Germany has experienced significant gender norm changes from a robust male breadwinner model. In Germany, children over one are entitled to childcare, and cities must provide it. The study conducted interviews with two types of city administrators. The first group comprises 23 men and women serving on the management board in the city, in charge of broad issues including childcare policies. The second group includes 17 city officers holding leadership positions in departments specifically related to childcare provision, along with seven city officers planning city childcare supply. The disparity between the two groups lies in their respective management levels and whether the city council approves their positions. The interviews were transcribed and coded inductively and deductively. Qualitative content analysis revealed minimal disparities in the rationale behind the need for childcare policy between women and men. There were no differences depending on the position. For both genders, childcare policy was essential to ensure equal opportunities in education, followed by a balance of work and family and integration. Interestingly, the belief in childcare policy as an economic strategy to attract families and businesses and to foster educated workers was more emphasized by men.