Gondoskodás

Gondoskodás is a Hungarian term describing the act and practice of ensuring the well‑being of someone or something by providing care, support, and protection. It encompasses emotional attention, physical assistance, and practical help, as well as the planning and coordination needed to meet needs over time. The noun gondoskodás derives from the verb gondoskodni, to take care or look after.

In everyday use, gondoskodás appears in family and personal relations (parents caring for children, relatives caring for ill or elderly family members) and in formal settings (healthcare, social services, and professional caregiving staff). Informal care is often unpaid and provided by family or friends; formal care is delivered by trained professionals and institutions. The concept also covers maintenance of objects, environments, and communities where ongoing attention prevents deterioration.

Economically, gondoskodás is framed as care work, a form of labor that supports both individuals and society. It includes childcare, elder care, disability support, and tasks related to home care. Because much care work is unpaid or underpaid, policy discussions frequently address recognition, compensation, access to services, and support for caregivers, including respite options and flexible work arrangements.

In research and policy, gondoskodás integrates sociological, economic, and public health perspectives, emphasizing that adequate care systems depend on resources, coordination, and social norms. The term thus signals a broad, cross‑sector responsibility spanning families, communities, and institutions.