Mechanisms of Persisting Inequality -- Case Studies of Norwegian Daycare Facilities for Children

In this paper, we analyse mechanisms of exclusion in Norwegian daycare facilities for children ("Skolefritidsordning -- SFOs), which provide after-school care. Such mechanisms are analysed and discussed as unanticipated consequences of reform policy initiatives or simply as accepted trade-offs left to the SFO staff's discretion. The data are taken from a reanalysis of a national evaluation of Norwegian SFOs. The results show several examples of new exclusion mechanisms occurring as old inequalities are addressed through social policy reforms. Examples from case studies are used to highlight and discuss the staff's reactions and actions when faced with dilemmas of meeting demands from the system while taking care of demands from the children.