Former director of the UCD Equality Studies Centre, Professor Emeritus Kathleen Lynch, has just published a new book, Care and Capitalism (Polity 2022). This new book is a powerful defence of the value of care as an alternative to capitalism. Providing a counter-narrative to the dominance of neoliberalism and capitalism in economic and political life, it carefully and convincingly shows how a feminist political economy of care can provide the basis for a new vision of economics and politics. The book also offers a robust demonstration of how capitalism erodes care and human relations which have existed in productive harmony before the advent of capitalism.
‘One of the most significant books I have read in years. Lynch challenges many of the key assumptions underpinning neoliberalism and the norms that guide it. At the same time, she provides powerful and insightful alternatives.’ Michael W. Apple, Beijing Normal University and University of Wisconsin–Madison
‘Kathleen Lynch brings her well-known understanding of care as affective relations to new realms. She deepens thinking about care’s relation to violence and extending care to non-human animals. Most importantly, she explains why capitalism is so hostile to care at all levels.’ Joan C. Tronto, University of Minnesota
‘This beautifully written indictment of neoliberal capitalism articulates a new definition of justice that goes beyond unfair appropriation to call out failures to reward necessary contributions to the public good. Impressive scholarship and passionate intensity make this book a stellar addition to the emerging discourse of care.’ Nancy Folbre, University of Massachusetts Amherst
