Experts Highlight the Importance of Recognizing Care as a Pillar of Social Well-being
During an academic meeting organized by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), titled “Ethics of Care for a More Inclusive Society,” scholars and experts emphasized that acknowledging care as a cornerstone of social well-being is crucial for building a more inclusive and responsible society where these tasks are no longer invisible or unequally distributed.
The National and Progressive Care System: A Key Opportunity for Equitable Distribution of Care Tasks
The National and Progressive Care System represents a significant opportunity to redistribute care tasks more equitably in Mexico by recognizing them as a shared responsibility among the state, communities, families, and the private sector, according to experts.
Dulce Elena Castillo Villegas: Breaking Structural Inequality
Dulce Elena Castillo Villegas, a researcher at UNAM’s Institute of Social Research, pointed out that the new system aims to break this structural inequality by establishing a public policy that enables shared responsibility for these tasks and provides institutional support to caregivers.
A System with Social and Economic Impact
According to the experts, the National Care System contemplates an estimated 1.2% investment of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which would allow expanding service coverage, strengthening community networks, and improving the quality of life for both those being cared for and those providing care.
- Expanding service coverage: Providing care services to more individuals in need.
- Strengthening community networks: Fostering supportive relationships within communities.
- Improving quality of life: Enhancing the well-being of both care recipients and providers.
Moreover, the model recognizes the need for caregiver training and capacity building, as many people undertake these responsibilities without technical knowledge or professional support, which can negatively impact their physical and emotional well-being.
Aging Population and New Care Demands
In the context of an aging population, experts warned that care demands will continue to rise, making it urgent to establish a system that addresses this demographic reality.
Edgar Jaime Blanco Campero, another UNAM researcher, highlighted that care should be understood from an ethical perspective promoting respect, dignity, and inclusion of older adults.
Blanco Campero reminded the audience of the “Decade for Healthy Aging,” which promotes actions to eliminate age-based discrimination and foster more solidary and just environments.
Community Networks as the Core of Care
During the meeting, experts shared experiences from community programs like “Accompaniment for Aging and Home Care,” operating in municipalities such as Xochimilco, where home visits and support for older adults have strengthened support networks.
The experts agreed that these initiatives demonstrate the potential of the National Care System to integrate community and institutional efforts, moving towards a more equitable and sustainable model.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the National and Progressive Care System? It’s a policy proposal in Mexico that aims to redistribute care tasks more equitably by recognizing them as a shared responsibility among the state, communities, families, and the private sector.
- What percentage of GDP does the system propose to invest? The system proposes investing around 1.2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- What are the benefits of investing in care tasks? Investing in care tasks can expand service coverage, strengthen community networks, and improve the quality of life for both those receiving care and those providing it.
- Why is recognizing care as a pillar of social well-being important? Acknowledging care as essential to social well-being is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and responsible society where care tasks are no longer invisible or unequally distributed.
