The Care Dilemma

<p><strong>A <em>FINANCIAL TIMES</em> AND <em>THE SPECTATOR</em> BOOK OF THE YEAR</strong></p><p><strong>'Important' <em>Financial Times</em></strong><br><strong>'Serious and thought-provoking' <em>The Critic</em><br>'Brave' Richard Reeves<br>'Excellent' Jonathan Haidt</strong></p><p>Family life has changed dramatically over the past 60 years.</p><p>Greater choice and autonomy, especially for women, and a more equal domestic sphere have brought great gains for human freedom. However, argues David Goodhart, there have been losses and unintended consequences too – in family instability, children’s declining mental health, and the ever-rising demands on the welfare state and social care system. Sharply falling birthrates also present major challenges.</p><p>For many people, especially in the bottom half of the income spectrum, the costs are now too high. <em>The Care Dilemma</em> 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.</p>