The Systemic Undervaluation of Care

Care is everyday, essential work. Yet the dominant mental models related to care work fail to reflect this essential nature, leading to the systemic under-appreciation and undervaluation of both paid and unpaid care work. Care work, defined as the everyday labor to maintain people and populations, exists at the intersection of emotional, physical, and societal dimensions, with its meaning shifting based on context and perspectives. Our central argument is that dominant mental models fail to recognize the essential nature of care work, leading to the systemic undervaluation of both paid and unpaid care work. This undervaluation results in caregivers facing challenges such as burnout and economic vulnerability. The project utilizes a feminist and intersectional perspective to investigate systemic inequities, intersecting identities, and opportunities for meaningful change. It explores the roots of societal norms and gender roles that contribute to the undervaluation of care work, and identifies potential leverage points for shifting perceptions, policies, and practices. Key research themes include gender inequalities, emotional and cognitive labor, and economic vulnerability for caregivers. Insights from expert interviews highlight the structural issues within healthcare systems that impact the quality of patient care and the well-being of care workers. The research also considers the experiences of marginalized groups, such as immigrant women, who face compounded challenges in care work. Ultimately, this project aims to promote a more equitable future by addressing the systemic undervaluation of care work and fostering support for caregivers.