Social Reproduction and Depletion

2023/12/10 by Shirin Rai, Rai, Shirin M
Health Professions · Social Sciences · #Digital Economy and Work Transformation #Employment and Welfare Studies #Labor Movements and Unions

paper · doi:10.22024/unikent/03/fal.1221

openalex publication_date 2023/12/10 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25

Abstract

Social reproduction is not costless. When unrecognised, valorised but not valued, social reproduction leads to depletion of those who care. Building on the arguments of feminist international political economists, I examine the importance of taking the work of care seriously. Depletion through social reproduction occurs when resources for social reproduction fall below a threshold of sustainability over time. To know the intensity and extensity of depletion allows us to reveal not only the distress – physical, emotional/mental and social - but also to strategise towards reversing depletion.

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