The strain of engaging emotionally with all that misery…
![“The strain of engaging emotionally with all that misery was exhausting. The kindness and hard work of the care assistants here was worth far more than they were paid. But this is unseen, unmentionable labour, hidden away in these human oubliettes we would rather not think about [...]. It is…” quote by Polly Toynbee](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/c45/polly-toynbee-21635_equal-pay_the-strain-of-engaging-emotionally-with_941119.jpg)
““The strain of engaging emotionally with all that misery was exhausting. The kindness and hard work of the care assistants here was worth far more than they were paid. But this is unseen, unmentionable labour, hidden away in these human oubliettes we would rather not think about [...]. It is because caring is women's work. That attitude is embedded still in the values society apportions to the jobs people do. It is why there will never be equal pay until women's work is regarded with equal respect [...]. Women's work is still treated as if it should be given almost free, a natural function.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Caring work, predominantly performed by women, is undervalued and invisible, leading to unequal pay and lack of respect.
In simple terms: Women's care work is ignored and underpaid.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value care work equally.
Themes
gender inequality
labor value
care work
pay equity
Mood
frustrated
hopeful
Type
analytical
advocacy
When to use this quote
- healthcare settings
- home caregiving
- policy advocacy
- union negotiations
Key Concepts
social economics
feminist theory
invisible labor
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies make invisible labor visible?
- What policies can ensure equal pay for care work?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep‑seated cultural attitudes is slow and contested.