Misha Schubert’s essay should resonate with anyone who cares about equity and justice. As she so eloquently reminds us, “care” is predominantly provided by women. Its value is inadequately recognised: to a huge degree it is hidden and unpaid; when it is paid, the pay and conditions are poor.
This is an important reason — but far from the only reason — for the alarming rate of poverty among older women.
Changes to the nation’s superannuation system will not, however, achieve more than minor improvements. Our much-lauded super system is in effect a revers Robin Hood scheme: it further entrenches in retirement the disparities in income and wealth of people’s working years.
We should retire our unfair super system and introduce a universal basic income for all. Think about it: a dignified “living wage” for everyone, including all those who currently miss out: informal carers; sick, disabled, unemployed, old. A radical change, for a radically better society.