Rethinking Caregiving: From Time Poverty to Economic Prosperity

The Future Age

The true value of care work in the economy.

In this episode of The Future Age podcast, host Zannat Reza explores the hidden economic value of caregiving with guest Diana Rodríguez Franco, Special Advisor on Gender and Diversity to the president of the Inter-American Development Bank. Diana talks about the true value of care work in the economy, how failing to recognize its worth disproportionately affects women, and the impact “time poverty” has on women’s economic and social opportunities. We’ll discuss how the care economy plays a fundamental role in sustaining global economic activity, and how governments around the world are finding new and innovative ways to support caregivers. For more information and a list of resources go to TheFutureAge.ca.

Resources:

• The WEF’s Global Future Council on The Future of the Care Economy
• Observatory of the Public Sector Innovation Case Study Library: Bogota Care Blocks
• The Care Economy Statement
• Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence
• Tuktu Care
• Caregiver Exchange | Share The Care
• Barcelona Caring City
• Government of Canada | Core Community Supports to Age in Community
• Aging at Home: Cash-for-Care Models Reduce Institutionalization

Connect:

• Learn More:The Future Age
• LinkedIn: SE Health
• YouTube: SE Health
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter / X
• Connect w/ Zannat: LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Zannat Reza introduces guest Diana Rodríguez Franco, a Special Advisor on Gender & Diversity to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank.
(00:01:09) Defining the Care Economy
An overview of the care economy and its role in sustaining society.
(00:02:29) The Role of Caregiving in the Global Economy
How care work underpins the entire global economy by enabling other economic activities.
(00:04:18) Women and Care Work
The disproportionate affect care work has on women and its broader economic impact.
(00:06:11) Time Poverty and Inequality
The concept of time poverty and how unpaid care work deepens societal inequality.
(00:08:08) What is a Well-Designed Care Economy?
An outline of a well-designed care economy and how governments can approach this issue.
(00:11:24) Care Blocks Initiative in Bogotá
Bogotá’s innovative care blocks that support both caregivers and care receivers.
(00:12:46) Government's Role in Care
The importance of local and national government in designing and delivering effective care policies.
(00:16:15) Corporate Responsibility and Care Infrastructure
The need for businesses to move beyond corporate social responsibility and embrace shared responsibility.
(00:17:11) The Final Question
Diana shares the radical but realistic change she would make to improve society’s well-being.
(00:18:11) Conclusion

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:09) - Defining the Care Economy
• (02:29) - The Role of Caregiving in the Global Economy
• (04:18) - Women and Care Work
• (06:11) - Time Poverty and Inequality
• (08:08) - What is a Well-Designed Care Economy?
• (11:24) - Care Blocks Initiative in Bogotá
• (12:46) - Government's Role in Care
• (16:15) - Corporate Responsibility and Care Infrastructure
• (17:11) - The Final Question
• (18:11) - Conclusion