‘Important’ Financial Times
‘Serious and thought-provoking’ The Critic
‘Brave’ Richard Reeves

Family life has changed dramatically over the past 60 years.

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.

For many people, especially in the bottom half of the income spectrum, the costs  are now too high.  The Care Dilemma  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.