Even the changing gender relations after the 1960s played a part in the expansion of social services. The debate on the issue of women's labour market participation gradually fostered a new definition of the role of women, men and society at large. Men and women should act as two economically independent individuals and both participate in paid and unpaid work as well as political life. The society should play an active role and deliver the necessary social support systems. Gradually social care, starting with child care, was transferred from the family to the social service sector on the labour market.