Gallagher A, Lane A, Egan, Cox et al., 2021
Globally, life expectancy is increasing as is the need for effective care responses to chronic health condition, global emergencies such as pandemics and ongoing inequalities resulting in health disparities. Alongside this, is a shortage of skilled care-givers. We conducted a 4-country qualitative study to find out Generation Z’s (the next generation to join the workforce) views of ‘care’ and ‘care careers’. Following ethical review in each country, we conducted focus groups with 343 young people in schools in England, Ireland, Japan and Russia. Four cross-cultural themes emerged: conceptualising care; objects and subjects of care; recognising challenges of care; and appreciating care work.