Research and knowledge development on unpaid care in the UK

Abstract

This chapter discusses the development of knowledge about unpaid care since 1990 and explores the increase in interest in unpaid care. Perceptions of demographic trends and their influence on policies are considered. The chapter examines the different research methods used, the different groups involved in producing knowledge, including feminist and disabled researchers. Key findings from research are identified. The development of knowledge has paralleled the development of policies and strategies throughout this period and the relationship between research and policy development is considered. The chapter also discusses the ways in which knowledge has shaped ideas about unpaid care and unpaid carers more broadly, including the emergence of the term ‘carer’. The theoretical framework developed in subsequent chapters is introduced.