Towards an understanding of care poverty

Abstract

This chapter draws together the key lessons on care poverty from the theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions in the volume. It concludes that the theoretical idea of care poverty – distinct from unmet need – is a useful development in trying to make sense of the work of care, both from a structural and socioeconomic perspective, and from an individual relational and socio-emotional perspective. Care poverty is both a political and theoretical lens that can add nuance and a deeper understanding to the complexities of care in welfare states. The chapters of the book advance the measurement and understanding of care poverty forward, and the empirical findings show how the problem manifests itself in different population groups and in different cultural and societal contexts. In terms of policy lessons, the book shows that access to and navigation of complex care and support systems needs to be made easier. Existing support also needs to be better matched to existing needs, particularly where these needs are variable and change over time.