About this podcast

In this compelling episode of Odd Lots, hosts Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway delve into the critical and long-standing issues plaguing the US caring economy. They are joined by distinguished economist Nancy Folbre, Professor Emerita of Economics at UMass Amherst and Director of the Program on Gender and Care Work, to dissect why essential services like childcare, eldercare, and healthcare have become increasingly expensive and inequitably distributed, despite the vital work performed by caregivers often being poorly compensated. The discussion explores the systemic market failures that predated the pandemic, examining the unique challenges of labor-intensive care services compared to physical goods, and proposing potential pathways for repair in a sector crucial to societal well-being.