Forum from the Archives: Alison Gopnik and Anne-Marie Slaughter on Why We’re Not Paying Enough Attention to Caregiving

Caregiving is a fundamental, deeply human act that enables our survival and flourishing across the lifespan. Alison Gopnik explains that caregiving, from childhood to elder care, is not just about genetic self-interest but about fostering autonomy and freedom in others — a profound social connection beyond economic or state transactions.

Anne-Marie Slaughter emphasizes that caregiving must be recognized as valuable work for all genders and integrated into social policies, such as paid family leave and community care infrastructures, enabling people to balance work and care.

Together, they highlight the urgent need to rethink caregiving beyond individual burdens to a societal responsibility, including support for caregivers' mental health, flexible policies, and community-based solutions like intergenerational housing.

As Gopnik says, caregiving is often invisible and under-theorized in economics and politics, but it is essential for human connection, autonomy, and societal health.

• Caregiving is a universal human act but remains invisible and undervalued in economics and politics.\n- It plays a profound role in human cooperation and the development of distinctive human capacities.

• Caregiving fosters community and connection, bringing people together across social and political divides.\n- Supporting caregiving can unify diverse groups through shared values about family and care.