Care work on the health agenda: Invisibility, overload, and strain on female workers

Abstract

Care work is complex and multidimensional, embracing a wide range of activities, whether paid or unpaid, from household chores and caring for children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses or disabilities, places, cities, and nature. We underscore the need to recognize the centrality of care in capitalism for the reproduction of the workforce and the functioning of the economy and society. Historically, care work has been associated with women and naturalized as feminine, which perpetuates gender inequalities. This kind of work is often invisible and undervalued socially and economically, which contributes to its precariousness. Double- and triple-work shifts, informality, low wages, and physical and mental overload cause distress, strains, and illness among workers, especially Black women. The need for articulated public policies that recognize care work as essential for the community and promote its appreciation and redistribution is advocated. Considering social reproduction work as a relevant political and social problem, Occupational Health must include the debate on care work on the agenda and develop actions to preserve, protect, and promote the health of working women.