PhD Institutional Organization of Care

PhD Institutional Change in the Organization of Care in the Netherlands
This PhD-project explores how various forms of care arrangements have interacted and changed over time in the Netherlands during the long 20th century, and studies the reasons behind these developments. It adopts an institutional lens that emphasizes the dynamic relationships among families, for example, the gendered division of care within households, local communities, organizations, and the state in the provision of care.

Care institutions—whether informal or (semi-) formal—do not evolve in isolation; rather, they continuously influence one another. Yet relatively little is known about how these institutions have co-evolved—that is, whether they have changed in complementary or divergent ways over time, and if so, why. This project, therefore, examines the dynamic interactions among care institutions within the broader historical trajectories of changing norms (e.g., regarding gender norms related to care and work), political ideologies (concerning government responsibility for care provision), economic conditions (such as privatization, costs of care), and demographic trends as potential explanations behind this change.

It examines why certain actors— namely, families, local initiatives (e.g., citizen-based initiatives, associations, municipalities), private initiatives (entrepreneurs, market-based solutions) and the state—have gained prominence in care provision while others have declined over time, and how their respective trajectories have influenced one another. The project integrates insights from history and sociology by engaging with institutional theories from both disciplines, including institutional sociology, historical institutionalism and new institutional economics and will use a mixed-methods approach.

We are looking for someone who works well in a team, who also takes ownership and exhibits independence within the project, who meets the following requirements:

a MA/MSc degree in a discipline(s) relevant for the project ((economic) history or sociology); interest in, and ideally some familiarity with, the second discipline (history or sociology);

interest in the topic of social cohesion and in collaborating in a broad research consortium with academic and non-academic stakeholders;

strong interest in interdisciplinary research, including analytic and theoretical dimensions;

someone with a desire to play an active role in an inter- and transdisciplinary research community and training programme;

professional command of both English and Dutch;

demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, or—where experience in one is limited—clear willingness and commitment to develop working knowledge;

a solid academic record, as evidenced by grade transcripts and relevant coursework;

strong motivation to publish articles in international academic journals.

Our offer

a position (1.0 FTE) for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;

a working week of 36 – 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3,059 and € 3,881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));

8 % holiday pay and 8.3 % year-end bonus;

a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development.

For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines…