Caring in Crisis

This insightful work explores the crisis in social care, advocating for its reintegration into the public sector, especially in light of recent challenges.

In Caring in Crisis, the author delves into a pressing and contemporary social policy issue—the ongoing crisis in social care. Unlike typical narratives, this book broadens the discussion by incorporating philosophical, ethical, and political perspectives that are often overlooked but essential for a comprehensive understanding of the crisis. The central premise posits that the historical divide between health and care, which began with the legislative separation during the establishment of the welfare state in the 1940s, has significantly contributed to the current challenges faced by social care systems.

The book argues that the gradual ideological and practical disconnection of social care from other welfare institutions, particularly the NHS, has led to its entrapment in a cycle of profit-driven motives, self-interest, and individualism. These factors create a compelling argument for the reintegration of social care into the public sector, emphasizing the need for a more cohesive approach to welfare that prioritizes collective well-being over profit.

Furthermore, Caring in Crisis examines the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, which intensified an already existing crisis in care. The author reflects on how the pandemic's impact is still unfolding and stresses the importance of solutions that were in development before the crisis hit. This book is a valuable resource for students, researchers, health and social care professionals, policymakers, and individuals who rely on social care services.