Book Chapter
Contexts of Caretaking

Although in the southern hemisphere an extended household is regarded as a vital determinant of caretaking, its purposes and underlying processes have not been sufficiently explored. Propositions such as the homogeneity and the natural inclination to provide social protection and welfare of kin groups encourage further understanding of social policies in the international realm. Re-examination of the responsibilities of and the expectations from household members, relatives, and significant others as welfare endowers demonstrates that the distribution of public goods and services will be facilitated by heightened awareness and comprehension of caregiving practices and norms positioned in various cultural orientations. In view of this, it is valuable to take note of the caretaker's characteristics, potentials, personal necessities, and limitations as well as of the existing public provision policies.