7 Things You Should Read on the Care Economy

America is in the midst of a caregiving crisis. As Baby Boomers continue to enter retirement at an increasing rate, it is becoming difficult to draw young adults into caregiving jobs that offer low pay, poor benefits, and insufficient support. Care has been devalued in our society, leading to an increasingly likely future where the resources necessary to care for a large population of dependent individuals simply don’t exist. Providing caregiving services for young children and the elderly has never been more necessary, but the struggles of the industry have failed to capture the continued attention of policymakers, the media, or the general public. It is time for that to change.

Here are the 7 things you should read to understand why the care economy needs help:

The U.S. Economy Does Not Value Caregivers

By Anne-Marie Slaughter, The Atlantic

The American economy is built to reward the people that make the most money. Our society stands to gain a lot more from rewarding the caregivers that support our well-being.

Who Will Help The Modern Family?

By Elizabeth Weingarten, The Weekly Wonk

New America asked five experts: What policies can support the new American family?

Caregiving: ‘The Job Nobody Applies For’

By Michele Parente, U~T San Diego

In order to build a “care economy” we must understand caregivers and the daily struggles they face.

The Hell of American Day Care

By Jonathan Cohn, The New Republic

An investigation into the barely regulated, unsafe business of looking after our children.

The Opt-Out Generation Wants Back In

By Judith Warner, The New York Times Magazine

A decade ago, these women left at the peak of their careers to support their families. Now, they want another shot at succeeding in the workforce.

Silicon Valley’s Best and Worst Jobs for New Moms (and Dads)

By Rebecca Grant, The Atlantic

Here is what we can learn from the best and worst jobs for new parents living in Silicon Valley.

Couples Want to Lean In Together, But They Need Employers to Change Too

By Nanette Fondas, The Weekly Wonk

Sheryl Sandberg’s #LeanInTogether campaign wants men and women to share responsibilities when it comes to work and family. But research shows that most people already support egalitarian households, the status quo is just holding them back.