Crown Family School Leads International Research Workshop on Work, Family, and Caregiving

In April, the Crown Family School and the Hong Kong Baptist University co-sponsored The International Research Workshop on Work, Family, and Caregiving in a Global Context. Samuel Deutsch Professor Julia Henly, PhD, of the Crown Family School and Associate Professor Kaxton Siu of Hong Kong Baptist University organized the event, which took place in Hong Kong and received generous support from the School’s Susan and Richard Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development and the David C. Lam Institute for East-West Studies (LEWI) at the Hong Kong Baptist University, as well as the University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong. 

This two-day event, attended by approximately 40 participants, examined labor market conditions, employment precarity, demographic trends, and caregiving responsibilities across various regions in Asia and the United States. The workshop was a continuation of the Crown Family School’s long collaboration with universities in Hong Kong and China, and the expansion of our research and training efforts involving other nations.

“The research shared during the workshop examined and addressed issues that have no borders,” said Henly. “Across the globe, nations confront dynamic economic, demographic, and cultural conditions that are altering employment patterns and caregiving arrangements in fundamental ways. We need to better understand these changes and how they impact the wellbeing of diverse families and communities.”

Opening remarks by Henly and co-leader Professor Kaxton Siu of Hong Kong Baptist University set the stage for the two days of presentations and discussion.  Each day featured panels of experts sharing research on the causes and consequences of work and care inequalities and the potential for effective public, private, and philanthropic interventions, along with Q&A sessions that encouraged dialogue with local practitioners and other conference attendees.

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“Being exposed to the expertise and perspectives of 22 researchers, representing 16 different universities from the US and Asia, as well as local practitioners who engage directly with families and caregivers to improve working conditions and care supports, was a rare and exciting opportunity,” said Henly. “This workshop was a chance to connect, launch new collaborations, and share ideas, strategies, and interventions that have the potential to improve our local systems, policies, and programs. In doing so, we can find new ways to advance the health and economic wellbeing of families and communities across the globe.”