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Care needs to keep growing, for early years and for middle and later life. Users, providers and governments agree that the present system is overwhelmed. But efforts to ‘fix’ care are constantly stalled by arguments over who should pay, and sidelined by bigger crises over health, environment and employment.
Analysis of care’s role in the economy, and micro-simulations we have conducted for the UK, show that a large rise in care spending can be self-sustaining through its job creation and employee mobilisation. Solving the care crisis is part of the solution to – and not a distraction from – other global challenges of poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability.
Learning outcomes
Watch the trailer below for the seminar which took place on 30 November 2021:
After exploring the seminar material, you will be able to discuss the principles that can underpin a new social care system and the benefits that may come from a care-led recovery. On this page, you will explore resources and video highlights from the OU Economics Seminar Series on the crisis in care.
What are the benefits that may come from care-led recovery?
Dr Jerome De Henau is a Senior Lecturer in Economics at The Open University, principal investigator on international projects for organisations including the ILO (International Labour Organization) and FEPS (Foundation for European Progressive Studies), and co-chair for policy on the Women’s Budget Group.
In this video he explores the benefits that may come from a care-led recovery. These include:
• employment generation
• reduction of the gender employment gap
• contribution to a healthier, better educated and more productive population
• creation of a greener, more resilient and caring economy.
What is social care for?
Mary-Ann Stephenson is Director of the Women’s Budget Group, and a member of the Women’s National Commission.
In this video she explores the principles that should underpin a new social care system. These include:
• accessing social care on basis of needs rather than ability to pay
• a care system where one size does not fit all
• care systems are about supporting autonomy, dignity and enabling to fulfil our capabilities
• care best delivered locally but funded nationally.
UK care sector
1 in 7 older people have unmet social care needs. The care sector runs on low pay and insecure employment.
In the quotes below, explore resources on the care economy. These quotes describe some of the problems in the care sector.
About The Open University Economics
OU Economics is about real-world economics: through a pluralist approach to the subject, we teach the analytical techniques and practical skills required to understand the world of production, employment, spending and borrowing, and the effects of government policy and technical innovation. Our economics degree programmes and modules are regularly updated to reflect the latest research and events.
The OU Economics Seminar Series promotes high-quality research bringing together academics to exchange, share and engage in dialogue with policymakers, practitioners, industry representatives and members of the public. With an ethos of inclusivity and respect for diverse realms of economic expertise, the seminar series will bring together those working on current challenges across a broad range of research interests: Social Policy, Personal Finance, Innovation, Macroeconomics, Development Economics, Health, Inequality and Employment, Philosophy and History of Economics.
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