Speaking on the topic of "Home is where the work is" at the Institute of Policy Studies Women's Conference yesterday, SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan, who was one of the panellists, said Singapore should invest in building neighbourhoods with infrastructure that can encourage people, in particular, those over 60 who are an untapped resource – to volunteer and help those who need a hand within their area. She said housework and caregiving is unpaid work that has traditionally been undervalued. But aside from being economically valued, what women need is more respect and recognition of the role they play and efforts they put into caregiving, she added.
