The Creation of Service Markets to Solve Political-Sociological Problems: The Danish Home Service

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Abstract
In Denmark, the government has formulated a policy for creating a household service market by introducing economic support to Home Service firms. This political attempt at creating a market is analysed. Theoretically, it can test Gershuny's theory that households do their own housework by using machines, and the institutionalist market theory that households’ market behaviour is determined not only by the price, but also by social norms. The Home Service System is evaluated in relation to its development of business and its ability to solve the problems unemployment and moonlighting (informal work). The social consequences of an emerging household service sector are investigated. The conclusion is that it is very difficult to create a service market via the polity, and the Home Service system has not solved the problems it set out to overcome. Although it has introduced some improvements, at the same time it has created new labour market problems.

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