Symposium: Care Movements: For the Democratization of Care

Care and democracy are in a complex interrelationship. The political scientist Joan Tronto, for example, assumes in her reflections on a "Caring Democracy" that the degree of democratization of societies is ultimately reflected in how democratically and fairly care is organized. Where do we stand in this regard? To what extent can I, as a citizen, assume that I will receive care when I need it, regardless of my socio-economic living conditions? What opportunities do I have to get involved in and for care despite being employed? To what extent are these forms of care participation an illusion in capitalistically oriented societies?

Care movements are active in many places. In the communities, in the social and health sector and in the world of work, they advocate placing care – caring for one another, for the natural environment and future generations – at the center of living together. They find starting points in economic concepts oriented towards the common good, in new forms of housing, in resource-saving strategies for nature and nutrition. All of these movements have one thing in common: limitations are needed. Degrowth is the strategy of the future, a departure from the paradigm of growth is necessary in all forms of economic activity and land use. However, attention to care should grow in politics and society in order to enable a good life for everyone and more democracy.

What can we contribute to this - as citizens and as organizations that are active in politics and administration, in science and care practice? All actors help shape what is happening in their roles, some consciously, some unconsciously. At the symposium, we want to talk about this, in the best tradition of the Sorgenetz association: the proven combination of keynote speeches and interactive reflection and discussion formats promises a day full of inspiration and exchange.
 

Input also from:

•      Katharina Heimerl (Institute for Nursing Science, University of Vienna; D-A-CH network CC)
•      Andreas Heller (Center for Interdisciplinary Aging and Care Research (CIRAC), University of Graz; Management Team ILCC)
•      Patrick Schuchter (Cardinal König Haus Vienna; CIRAC, University of Graz; Verein Sorgenetz, Vienna; Management Team ILCC; D-A-CH-Netzwerk CC)
•      Robert Sempach (Initiator of the Caring Communities Switzerland network and independent community consultant; ILCC management team; D-A-CH network CC)
•      Klaus Wegleitner (CIRAC, University of Graz; Verein Sorgenetz, Vienna; management team ILCC; D-A-CH network CC)