Economics and the Ethics of Care: A Response

Abstract

This chapter provides a response and theoretical framework for Nelson’s concept of care. It starts by exploring the scientific paradigms and structure of scientific revolutions as a way to explain how mainstream theory fails to clearly capture the concept of care, that is, a fundamental concept in social science and, therefore, in economics. Next, the chapter introduces the Nelsonian dichotomy, highlighting what is “soft economics” and how the concept of care fits in with economic theory. Then, the chapter utilizes feminist economics to explain the paradigm of care, with special reference to the concepts of husbandry and care work. Finally, the chapter presents an interdisciplinary approach to studying care, including a nonbinary approach to social constructs like gender. Finally, the chapter claims that, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, femininity (i.e., attitudes, talents, way of thinking) has enriched the experience of family and care, thus greatly enhancing the socioeconomic environment affected by the strict global lockdowns enforced worldwide. Femininity, in fact, is characterized by a stronger concern for human relationships, social justice, care for the environment, and future generations, which are critical features of the economy. The chapter emphasizes the necessity to add traditional female attitudes to the prevailing understanding of economic sciences.