List of figures Conceptualizing Cash for Care: The Origins of Contemporary Debates; C.Ungerson & S.Yeandle Care Allowances and the Formalization of Care Arrangements: The Austrian Experience; A.Oesterle & E.Hammer Cash for Care in the French Welfare State: A Skilfull Compromise?; C.Martin & B.LeBihan The Commodification of Care: The Italian Way; C.Gori & B.Da Roit Contracting One's Family Members: The Dutch Care Allowance; M.Pijl & C.Ramakers Issues in the Development of the Direct Payments Scheme for Older People in England; S.Yeandle & B.Stiell Mixed Blessings: Long-term Care Benefits in Germany; U.Schneider & C.Reyes Consumer-direction in an 'Ownership Society': An Emerging Paradigm for Home and Community Care in the United States; S.Keigher The UK; S.Yeandle & B.Stiell Conclusion: Dilemmas, Contradictions and Change; C.Ungerson & S.Yeandle