Ito Peng

Canada Research Chair in Global Social Policy

Tier 1 - 2017-11-01
Renewed: 2023-04-01
University of Toronto
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

416.946.5902
itopeng@chass.utoronto.ca

Research involves

Studying how the reorganization of care resulting from changes in demographic structure, family and intergenerational relations, and increase in women’s employment influence the global migration of care workers, and how this in turn impacts family and gender relations, gender equality, government policies, and global governance.

Research relevance

This research will contribute to public and policy debates on: 1) how to address the growing care needs resulting from population ageing, low fertility, and changes in social and cultural norms and expectations about care; and 2) the continued acceleration of international migration of care workers and the intensification of immigration politics.

Research summary

In every country around the world, young children and aging seniors both require care. But what about those who provide that care? Contracting out the care of children and seniors is producing significant societal changes. But there is much we don’t know about how paid caregiving affects economies, societies and the caregivers themselves, including those who are unpaid.

Dr. Ito Peng, Canada Research Chair in Global Social Policy, is investigating care in the global context. She and her research team are comparing the care economies of nine countries, examining the intersection of care and the climate, and investigating the mental health impacts of unpaid care work. Ultimately, their research will contribute to public and policy debates and insights into the best ways to address our changing care needs.