Disadvantages of Informal sector Flashcards
The demands of informal care fall mainly on women
In their role as primary carers, women are expected to take care of family needs. This role can often have a damaging impact on the lifestyle of women carers. For example, it can damage their employment prospects, restrict their social life and lead to health problems. In the family women often act as absorbers of stress, described as being like an ‘emotional sponge’, as women take on the problems of others.
This can lead to not only poor health but also to ‘hidden poverty’, as women put other family members ahead of their own needs. Balbo says welfare hangs together thanks to the labour of women, which is largely unpaid, unrecognised and undervalued.
Informal care may be unsatisfactory as the family lacks adequate resources
Family members may lack the skills and specialist equipment required to provide suitable care. This could actually place at risk not only those who require care, but the carers themselves as they may face injury in carrying out this care.
There is said to be about 700,000 young people providing care for their family. This is often unrecognised by social services and places a great strain on the lifestyle of the young. Informal care can damage the education and employment prospects of young carers.
Moreover, families are often left to ‘pick up the pieces’ when state care has failed. For example, the policy of Care in the Community aimed to move people out of institutions and into sheltered accommodation or independent living. In practice, it has often placed the burden of care on families and led to an increase in those living rough on the streets.
