Understanding the care economy in Southeast Asia

This landscape study provides an overview of the care economy in Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. It examines definitions of the care economy in each of the three countries and analyses key topics and findings from existing literature on the care economy. It also studies forums where care is discussed, the way care is discussed, and key actors who are carrying out work related to the care economy in the region. Lastly, the report identifies key research, policy and practice gaps that present opportunities to drive change.

Contents

• Definitions of the care economy in Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia
• Key research trends including:
  • Effect of the care economy on women’s labour force participation
  • Cultural and historical influences on the gendered division of care
  • Increasing demand for care services
  • Migration and the status of women in the formal care economy
  • Generational shifts in gendered expectations of care work
  • Use of policy interventions
• Key care economy actors and what they are doing: government, non-governmental organisations, international organisations, the private sector
• Key research, policy and practice gaps that present opportunities for interventions
  • Shifting social norms
  • Working with organisations to establish standards
  • Encouraging government policy change
  • Supporting individuals