Downshifting to care: The role of gender and care in reducing working hours and consumption

摘要: Abstract The relationship between working hours and sustainability has attracted research attention since at least the early 2000s, yet role of care giving in this context is not well understood. Focusing on Australians 40 60 years who have reduced their income, we explore hours, consumption. Data from national census ( Australian Bureau Statistics, 2006 , 2011 2016c ) were analysed to contextualise patterns paid income carer roles for men women aged 60 years. Findings a survey informal carers ABS, 2016a also consulted. Taken together, two sources data showed that thirds all are women, likelihood assuming increases with age, work fewer per week lower weekly than non-carers same age. To gain qualitative insights into these data, likely implications household consumption, semi-structured interviews conducted ten households subsequently recorded details consumption-related expenses over seven-day period. interview strong connection roles, its strongly gendered dimension. We argue primarily ‘downshift’ undertake rather motivations there consequently need connect scholarship gender downshifting. link reducing care-giving consumption appeared be less straight forward varied households. Our findings suggest complex exists environmental social welfare concerns policy warrants further exploration.