First Dilemma of the ICGB

Care as an Essential Social Good

A Global Reflection Based on the Experiences of Families of Disappeared Persons

This dilemma examines the three dimensions of care: receiving care, caring for others, and self-care. It also analyses the effects of prolonged searches on health, food, income, family life, gender inequalities, and the distribution of responsibilities among individuals, families, communities, institutions, and the State.

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Central Question

What does it mean to recognise care as an essential social good, and how should caring responsibilities be distributed among individuals, families, communities, institutions, and the State?

Guiding Questions

It is not necessary to answer all of the questions. They are offered as orientation for your reflection.

1
Who cares for those who devote their lives to searching for a disappeared person?
2
How do prolonged searches affect health, food, income, and family life?
3
How are caring responsibilities distributed according to gender, age, or economic circumstances?
4
What responsibilities belong to the State, institutions, and society?
5
What lessons can this reality offer for other countries and contexts?

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