The (im)possibilities of professionalization of social pedagogues in a time of ‘care crisis’

This paper discusses the transformation of social pedagogues’ work in ECEC facilities in light of growing impact of monitoring and accountability systems promoted by especially the OECD. Based on memory-work and group-interviews with Danish social pedagogues I will approach their experiences using especially Evetts understanding of professionalism to discuss the possibilities of professionalization as a way of responding to the changing conditions of work. Further, I will discuss the issue from a broader social perspective focusing on the conditions of care work, which Nancy Fraser has discussed as a ‘care crisis’.