Navigating the care economy gap: a study of urban and rural childcare in Kazakhstan

The care economy represents a significant area for the country’s development, effective investment in which leads to raising gender equality and the population’s wellbeing. The study aims to identify childcare features and challenges in Kazakhstani rural and urban areas by examining caregivers’ employment, experiences, and needs. The mixed research method included a survey and focus groups conducted in Northern, Central, and Southern urban and rural areas. SPSS was used for econometric modeling, whereas Atlas.ti software was utilised for analysing the interview transcripts and identifying initial categories and codes. The elaborated Logistic regression model identified that caregivers living in urban areas, having children aged 2 to 3 years old, with more adult women in the household, demonstrate a higher probability of seeking employment if quality childcare is available compared to other categories. The results demonstrate a structural and psychological gap between the types of settlements. The research revealed the family’s crucial role in childcare in both urban and rural settlements; however, in villages, it relates to a kin care approach, while in cities, to mostly mothers’ sole care responsibilities, with fathers’ limited involvement. The study uncovered systemic barriers: the shortage of public nurseries, the lack of extended-day groups in schools, and the high cost of quality services. The article substantiates the need to strengthen the care economy and develop policies aimed at recognizing care as a collective responsibility, and not just an invisible maternal burden.

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