Growth dependency in the UK’s adult social care sector

About this event

Modern economies rely on economic growth for stability and prosperity. Further, periods of stagnation and recession are currently associated with poor health and wellbeing outcomes for citizens. However, 50 years of research indicates that this state of dependency is ecologically unsustainable. It is therefore critical that we better understand the growth dependency of our economies and welfare systems, and how to overcome it. Through this talk Christine will offer a working definition of growth dependency, clarifying its core dimensions. Next, taking the UK's adult social care sector as a case study, she will argue that growth dependencies emerge in the adult social care sector as a result of three distinct dynamics: 1) the growing needs of an aging population; 2) limits to labour productivity growth; and 3) predatory financing within the sector. Christine will make the case that this state of growth dependency is not a concern for the distant future, but something that is already causing harm to those working and living in the social care sector. Finally, she will identify potential policy levers that could be utilised to move towards a more growth independent system, better for people and planet.

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