The Care Dilemma : Caring Enough in the Age of Sex Equality

The Care Dilemma : Caring Enough in the Age of Sex EqualityFamily life has changed dramatically over the past 60 years. Greater choice and autonomy, especially for women, and a more equal domestic spherehave brought great gains for human freedom. However, argues David Goodhart, there have beenlosses and unintended consequencestoo in familyinstability,children's declining mental health,and the ever rising demands onthe welfare state and social care system. Sharply falling birthrates also present

Family life has changed dramatically over the past 60 years. Greater choice and autonomy, especially for women, and a more equal domestic sphere�have brought great gains for human freedom. However, argues David Goodhart, there have been�losses and unintended consequences�too -� in family�instability,�children's declining mental health,�and the ever-rising demands on�the welfare state and social care system. Sharply falling birthrates also present major�challenges. For many people, especially in the bottom half of the income spectrum, the costs�are now too high.�The Care Dilemma�argues that we need a new policy settlement that supports gender equality while also recognising the importance of stable families and community life, and that sees having children as a public as well as private good.