Women in Scotland are disproportionately burdened with unpaid caregiving, leaving them at an economic disadvantage. The impact is widespread, affecting their financial stability, career prospects, and overall well-being.
The Unequal Burden of Caregiving
Women are far more likely than men to take on unpaid caregiving roles. Whether it’s looking after children, elderly relatives, or family members with disabilities, the responsibility often falls squarely on their shoulders. The effect on their financial security is stark.
- Women in Scotland make up 59% of unpaid carers.
- They typically begin caregiving at 45 years of age—12 years earlier than men.
- As a result, many struggle with lower earnings, reduced pension contributions, and limited career progression.
Traditional gender norms still dictate the breadwinner-caregiver dynamic. Many women are forced to cut back on working hours or leave the workforce entirely. When they do return, they often find themselves in lower-paying jobs, making financial independence harder to achieve.
Single Mothers Face a Steeper Climb
The financial strain intensifies for single mothers, who face a higher risk of poverty compared to coupled parents. The labour market and social security systems are designed with a two-adult household model in mind, making it even harder for single parents to stay afloat.
Child maintenance is supposed to help ease the burden, but it’s not always reliable. Research from One Parent Families Scotland and Fife Gingerbread found that child maintenance reduces child poverty rates from 40% to 30%, yet many families are unable to access it effectively. The Child Maintenance Service, meant to facilitate payments, has been criticized for being costly and difficult to navigate. This has led to a sharp rise in separated families without formal child maintenance arrangements—from 600,000 in 2011/12 to 1 million in 2019/20.
The Hidden Costs of Unpaid Care
Caring doesn’t just impact women’s wallets—it takes a toll on their health too. Many unpaid carers suffer from physical and mental health issues due to the demands of their roles. Common struggles include:
- Chronic pain and physical injuries from lifting and assisting those they care for.
- Sleep deprivation, leading to exhaustion and decreased well-being.
- Declining mental health, including stress, anxiety, and depression.
The financial strain further compounds these health issues. A staggering 28% of unpaid carers in Scotland live in poverty, with 1 in 12 experiencing deep poverty. Among carers with poor health, nearly half (47%) are also in poverty, compared to 40% of the general population.
The Role of Policy and Support Systems
While government support exists, it often falls short of addressing the root of the problem. The Scottish government funds initiatives such as the Take a Break fund, which helps carers get temporary relief. However, the overall lack of accessible formal care services exacerbates financial and health burdens.
Carers Scotland has advocated for a minimum income guarantee for unpaid carers, emphasizing the need for policies that:
- Provide financial support to unpaid carers to prevent economic hardship.
- Ensure access to quality, affordable childcare and eldercare services.
- Reform the Child Maintenance Service to better support single parents.
- Implement workplace policies that recognize and accommodate caregiving responsibilities.
A Shared Responsibility
This isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a societal one. More than 65% of people will take on unpaid caregiving roles at some point in their lives. Addressing these challenges isn’t just about economic efficiency; it’s a moral obligation.
Women in Scotland deserve a system that doesn’t penalize them for caregiving. Employers, policymakers, and communities must take action to ensure financial stability and equal opportunities for all caregivers. Ignoring the problem will only deepen existing inequalities, leaving too many women struggling under the weight of unpaid care.
