Whenever caring is discussed, it’s generally with the unstated assumption that almost all caring is carried out by women, and from this assumption flows another, that women are intrinsically more caring than men. So we were interested to learn of a new report published by the Men’s Health Forum.
This a welcome report. The fact it isn’t higher reflects both the shorter lives of men and the general pattern that the older husband/ partner is more likely to be frail first. In fact male carers are much more likely to combine caring with employment ( in the working age cohorts) and less likely to get support in work. Women are more frequently make a choice to end or reduce time at work. Of course this will be the case where the male choice is to work, work or work. I hope this area of work doesn’t get infected with the idea( so familiar in treatment of fathers) that to work and earn is somehow an abrogation of care. As a strange fantasy that the necessities of life will somehow appear by a form of magic. Part of caring is in fact often dealing with additional costs; extra heating, special foods,extra cleaning of clothes , special chairs, beds and other aids and so on. As you say men are not mercenary beasts but often in caring roles ( including parent) combining “breadwinning” with hands on care and emotional support. Women can often appear more caring simply by dint of not having to be primary earner.
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