Analysis of the care economy and its gender impact in Spain
A report based on data from the INE and the ILO analyzes the situation of care work in Spain, highlighting the gender gap and the lack of institutional recognition of this economic activity.
According to official data, one in three people aged 18 to 74 in Spain took care of a relative in 2025, with a higher proportion of women than men. Likewise, the percentage of employed women who dedicate more than 40 hours per week to dependents reflects a double unremunerated workday.
The article points out that dependency care services and nursing homes have largely been left in the hands of the market and investment funds, which generates tensions in the working conditions of female workers, who are mostly women and migrants.
Given this scenario, various social and community economy organizations propose legislative measures, such as a state Care Law and the promotion of non-profit cooperatives to guarantee a public and sustainable model.
- 33.4% of the population aged 18 to 74 cared for a relative in 2025 according to the INE.
- Unpaid domestic and care work represented 40.8% of GDP in 2010 according to official estimates.
- Women perform 76.2% of unpaid care work globally, according to the ILO.
- Measures such as a state Care Law and the limitation of profit in public services are proposed.
Corroborates: Analysis of the care economy and its gender impact in Spain