Hoolivusest

Hoolivusest is the Estonian term for the concept of care, concern, and compassionate attention toward others. It denotes not only affectionate regard but also practical acts of support and responsibility within families, communities, and institutions. In everyday language, hoolivus describes the willingness to help, listen, and accommodate others’ needs, particularly those who are vulnerable or in need of assistance. The genitive form “hoolivusest” is used in phrases such as “hoolivusest ühiskonnas” to refer to care as a social value or policy priority.

Etymology and usage: Hoolivus derives from the verb hoolima, meaning to care or mind, with the abstract noun suffix -us, forming the concept of care or consideration and the genitive form “hoolivusest.” The term appears across sociology, education, and public discourse, including discussions on ethics of care and social responsibility.

Social and policy contexts: In Estonia, hoolivus is often presented as a foundation for social cohesion and is expressed through family practices, childcare, elder care, disability support, and volunteer work. Policy debates address how to structure and finance care work, balance caring obligations with paid employment, and recognize informal care provided by relatives. In educational and workplace settings, promoting a culture of listening, mutual respect, and supportive behavior is frequently framed as an expression of hoolivus.

Related concepts and usage: Hoolivus is closely linked to values such as empathy, solidarity, and responsibility, and is discussed alongside related terms like vastutustunne (sense of responsibility) and ethics of care in both scholarly and public contexts.