Family as eudaimonic bubble: self-employed women and resources of care during austerity

Drawing on the conceptualization of family as “eudaimonic bubble” in austerity, this qualitative study shows how family, a site of social reproduction, lies at the heart of transformations in neoliberal austerity. Focusing on the accounts of women who started their own business during persistent crisis, we demonstrate how family offers resources based on care and cooperation, critical for the enacting of self-employment in austerity. Our analysis reveals three modes of resources of care and cooperation that contribute to business growth and viability. We critically evaluate normative analyses on austerity, gender and employment.