Caring for Caregivers: Health, Disability and the Social Organization of Care in Argentina

Abstract

This article analyzes the situation of mothers of children with disabilities in Argentina from a collective health perspective, employing a mixed methodology that combines quantitative evidence, qualitative accounts, and institutional analysis. Quantitative findings suggest both negative and positive effects on mothers' labor supply, depending on the type of child disability. However, these effects disappear among women with higher levels of education. Qualitative evidence, drawn from personal narratives, reveals overload, psychosocial strain, and the reorganization of life trajectories. The normative analysis shows broad legal recognition of rights but a fragmented and family-based organization of care. Drawing on international experiences, the article proposes the “care dyad” as a policy criterion to broaden the subject of public policy and promote well-being, shared responsibility, and rights protection.