2021

Kuronen, Marjo; Virokannas, Elina

The introductory chapter presents the overall aims and contents of this edited collection. The book is about the services for and service needs of women on the margins of society and in vulnerable life situations. The aim is to show how the service systems in different countries, their institutions and professional practices organise women’s daily lives and define them as women and as service users. Drawing upon empirical research and critical insights from Finland, Canada, Israel, Slovenia, Spain and the UK, the authors of the chapters show what these countries’ welfare service systems look like from the standpoint of these women. The authors discuss how the services should be developed to better meet the complex needs of women for social protection and support in order to improve their lives.