STATE SUPPORT FOR WOMEN ENGAGED IN UNPAID DOMESTIC AND CARE WORK: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROGRAMS IN THE USA, CANADA, MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, AND NORWAY

The article presents a comparative literature review of modern approaches to state support for women performing unpaid domestic and care work, using the examples of the USA, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and Norway. The purpose of the study is to identify differences between models of social protection for housewives and to determine the most effective mechanisms for compensating economic and social risks associated with the absence or reduction of paid employment due to family responsibilities. The research methodology is based on the analysis of scientific publications, materials of international organizations, and current official data from government agencies of the countries under consideration. The comparison shows that direct universal payments specifically for housekeeping are practically not a dominant instrument in any of the five countries. Instead, family allowances, tax incentives, pension savings, social insurance for housewives, care benefits, and parental support programs are utilized. The status of a housewife is most directly recognized in Malaysia through the Housewives Social Security Scheme (LINDUNG KASIH) and the i-Suri pension program. In Norway, a universal social model dominates, combining family support with a developed system of parental leave, child benefits, and childcare services. Canada uses significant targeted cash transfers to families with children, whereas the American model relies to a greater extent on tax mechanisms and social insurance. Singapore demonstrates a model of intensive support for childbirth and child-rearing through the Baby Bonus and the new SG Child Support Package. It is concluded that it is advisable to transition from the narrow concept of a "housewife allowance" to a comprehensive system of recognizing unpaid care as socially and economically valuable work.