The Care Dilemma

Family life has changed dramatically over the past 60 years. Increased opportunities for women, greater freedom and autonomy, and a more equal domestic sphere have brought great gains for human freedom. However, argues David Goodhart, there have been losses too: our greater freedoms have produced negative consequences in family breakdown, children's declining mental health, and the undervaluing of the traditionally female domains of care. Sharply falling birthrates also present major economic and social challenges. For many people, especially in the bottom half of the income spectrum, the costs now outweigh the benefits. The Care Dilemma argues that we need a new policy settlement that supports gender equality while also recognising the importance of stable families and community life, and that sees having children as a public as well as private good.