Hoivatyöstään

Hoivatyöstään is a Finnish term that translates to "care work" or "work of care." It broadly encompasses all activities performed to care for others, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses. This work can be performed within a family, by professional caregivers, or through informal networks of support.

The scope of hoivatyöstään includes a wide range of tasks. For children, it involves feeding, bathing, dressing, education, and emotional support. For the elderly, it may include assistance with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, medication management, mobility support, and companionship. For those with specific needs, care work can involve specialized medical assistance, therapeutic interventions, and personal care tailored to their unique conditions.

Hoivatyöstään is often unpaid and performed within the home, primarily by women, contributing to societal notions of gender roles. However, it is also a significant sector of the paid labor market, with professional roles like nurses, childcare providers, and elder care assistants. The recognition and valuation of hoivatyöstään, both in terms of compensation and societal appreciation, is a subject of ongoing discussion. The increasing aging population and changing family structures are placing greater emphasis on the importance and sustainability of care work.