The Concept of Community Care from Asylum Critique to Neoliberal Outsourcing of Social Services. A British Experience

Abstract

This article examines the concept of community care and its increasing integration into Russian social policy. Implemented since 2016, community care in Russia provides social support to individuals who have lost some or all of their ability to care for themselves. Tracing its origins back to mid‑20th century Western literature, the concept is closely tied to the transformation of the welfare state and concepts of social citizenship. The article discusses various interpretations and actors involved in community care, focusing on groups such as the elderly, the disabled, and the mentally ill. The study highlights the significant role of sociologists and ethnographers in critiquing institutional care and advocating for community care. It delves into the historical experience of the UK, where the concept originated, and explores its evolution from an alternative to institutional care to its current form, influenced by neoliberal policies. This includes the commercialization and standardization of services, and the challenges of preserving its core values amidst these changes. The authors emphasize the dynamic and contextual nature of implementing community care, underscoring the necessity for in-depth analysis and tailored approaches. The article also examines the shift from traditional, personal care to a commodified service, reflecting on the implications for quality and accessibility. It argues that the empathetic nature of care should be maintained and integrated with modern social and economic realities. The article concludes by presenting community care as deeply embedded in the cultural and systemic aspects of social care. It calls for a critical approach to adapting Western models to Russian specificities, highlighting the importance of adapting practices to the diverse needs of communities. This comprehensive review underscores the complexity and adaptability of community care, confirming its vital role in modern social policy and the need for ongoing innovation and contextual sensitivity.