The Gendered Nature of Caregiving

Caregiving is one of the most essential roles in society. It nurtures relationships, fosters growth, and sustains communities. Yet, throughout history, caregiving has been invisibly tethered to women a responsibility they are expected to shoulder, often at the cost of their own ambitions, well-being, and careers. From raising children to caring for ageing parents and loved ones, women are burdened with societal expectations that often go unnoticed and unappreciated.

But why is caregiving still seen as a woman’s duty? And how can we shift this outdated narrative to create a more equitable balance of responsibilities within families and society?

This article examines the deep-rooted gendered nature of caregiving, its implications for women, and the urgent need for change. It also explores how societal expectations intersect with movements like body positivity, which empower women to embrace their individuality but, at times, overlook critical health considerations. Along the way, we’ll draw on real-life examples, evidence, and actionable strategies to inspire a collective move towards shared caregiving responsibilities.

The Burden of Expectations

Caregiving, whether for children, elderly family members, or those with disabilities, is a role that society expects women to fulfil by default. Despite progress in gender equality, many women are still seen as the "natural caregivers," a label that reinforces traditional stereotypes and limits their opportunities in other areas of life. In exploring The Burden of Expectations, we will examine the following key areas:

1. The Invisible Labour of Women

Caregiving is often unpaid, undervalued, and invisible. According to a 2020 report by Oxfam, women perform more than 75% of unpaid caregiving globally, contributing an estimated £8.1 trillion to the world economy annually an amount that rivals the tech industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted this disparity. As schools and care centres shut down, women were disproportionately forced to juggle remote work with caregiving responsibilities, resulting in higher burnout rates and job losses compared to men.

2. Cultural Norms and Stereotypes

Cultural narratives often reinforce the idea that caregiving is a "woman’s role." Women are expected to be nurturing, self-sacrificing, and endlessly patient qualities that are celebrated when embodied by women but rarely expected of men.

Actress Jennifer Garner once spoke about how, as a mother, her parenting is constantly scrutinised, while her ex-husband, actor Ben Affleck, is often praised for doing the bare minimum. This double standard reflects the unequal expectations placed on women as caregivers.

The Cost of Caregiving

While caregiving can be deeply fulfilling, it often comes at a significant personal cost for women some of this cost may include the following:

1. Career Sacrifices

Women frequently put their careers on hold or accept lower-paying, flexible jobs to accommodate caregiving responsibilities. This contributes to the gender pay gap and limits their long term earning potential.

 According to The World Economic Forum, women are 40% more likely than men to reduce their working hours or quit their jobs entirely to provide unpaid care.

2. Emotional and Physical Toll

Caregiving can take a heavy toll on women’s mental and physical health. The constant stress of juggling multiple roles often leads to burnout, anxiety, and neglect of their own well-being.

For example Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time, has been vocal about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career. In interviews, she’s shared how societal expectations of being a "perfect mother" often overwhelm women, leaving little room for self-care.

Why Shared Responsibilities Matter

The traditional model of caregiving is not sustainable, nor is it fair. Shifting towards shared responsibilities within families and society is crucial to achieving gender equality and improving the well-being of all caregivers. here are three reasons why shared responsibility matters

1. Breaking the Cycle of Inequality

When caregiving is shared equally, women are freed from the disproportionate burden and gain the opportunity to pursue careers, passions, and personal growth.

2. Teaching Future Generations

By modelling shared caregiving responsibilities, families can teach children both boys and girls that caregiving is a shared duty, not a gendered expectation.

Encourage open conversations within families about the division of caregiving tasks and involve children in age-appropriate caregiving activities to normalise shared responsibilities.

3. Policy and Workplace Support

Governments and organisations must implement policies that support shared caregiving, such as parental leave for both parents, flexible working hours, and affordable childcare.

In Sweden, fathers are encouraged to take parental leave, with 90 days set aside exclusively for them. This policy has significantly increased men’s involvement in caregiving and promoted gender equality.

How to Support Caregivers

If you are a caregiver or know someone who is, here are some ways to provide support:

1. Advocate for Shared Responsibilities: Encourage open discussions within families about dividing caregiving tasks.

2. Seek Support Networks: Join mentorship programmes or support groups that offers mentorship and resources for women managing caregiving and careers.

3. Prioritise Self-Care: Caregivers must prioritise their mental and physical health. This could include regular check-ups, exercise, or simply taking time to rest.

Real-Life Stories of Change

New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made history as one of the few world leaders to give birth while in office. By sharing caregiving responsibilities with her partner, Ardern demonstrated that women can lead with strength while embracing motherhood. Her story has inspired countless women to challenge societal expectations.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Harry and Meghan Markle have been vocal advocates for shared parenting. In interviews, Prince Harry has emphasised the importance of fathers taking an active role in caregiving, challenging traditional gender norms.

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Caregiving is not a burden it’s a vital role that sustains families and communities. But it should not be a responsibility that women bear alone. By challenging societal expectations, advocating for shared responsibilities, and supporting caregivers, we can create a world where caregiving is valued, visible, and equitable.

To every woman reading this: your role as a caregiver is invaluable, but so is your health, ambition, and happiness. Let’s work together to rewrite the narrative, share the load, and build a future where caregiving is a shared responsibility and a source of empowerment. Together, we can build a world where caregiving is a shared journey, not a solitary burden.