The Care Economy

This book by Tim Jackson explores how care—despite being essential to human life, health, and wellbeing—is often undervalued in modern economic systems. It argues that care work is both socially vital and systematically underpaid, reflecting a deeper imbalance in capitalism where productivity is prioritized over human wellbeing. Drawing on history, economics, medicine, and philosophy, Jackson examines how this situation developed and why it persists, including the gendered nature of care work. He ultimately calls for a rethinking of economic priorities, proposing care and health as central organizing principles for a more humane and sustainable society.