The Privatisation Paradox: Evaluating Social Services in Denmark
Name of applicant
Anders Bach-Mortensen
Title
Associate Professor
Institution
Roskilde University
Amount
DKK 6,700,895
Year
2024
Type of grant
Semper Ardens: Accelerate
What?
In Denmark, complex social services are increasingly outsourced to for-profit providers. This trend has coincided with declining service quality and rising costs, but the direct impact of privatisation on care quality, accessibility, and cost remains unknown. This project will analyse how outsourcing to private providers affects the quality and accessibility of care.
Why?
Privatisation of social services is increasing globally, despite evidence that for-profit providers often underperform public and non-profit alternatives. This raises questions about the suitability of privatising essential welfare services. Understanding outsourcing impacts is vital for ensuring high quality and equitable care for Denmark's most vulnerable citizens.
How?
Using advanced data analysis techniques, I will harmonize and examine extensive Danish data on social services ("Sociale tilbud") and residential care ("Bosteder"). By analysing complex longitudinal data and facilitating stakeholder workshops, I will develop the empirical and theoretical foundation necessary to inform and improve key policy debates on the future of social service provision.