The Rationality of Caring

Abstract

In order to find better models for caregiving work, an analysis of the concept of caring is developed in this article. The focus is on caring for dependents and it is argued that this kind of caring, typically a responsibility for women, is based on a specific kind of rationality. 'Rationality of caring' is different from scientific rationality which is aimed at controlling the environment. It also transcends the categories of rationality and instrumentality as opposed to emotions and expressiveness. It is suggested that the search for new models of organizing the public care system must pay attention to the specific qualities inherent in caregiving work.