Caretakers, Experiences of

[Page 283]Caretakers, also referred to as caregivers, are an incredibly diverse group, and their concerns are similarly varied. The majority of caregivers in the United States are not provided payment for their caregiving services, and even those who are employed as direct caregivers are often underpaid and undervalued for their time and efforts. Caregivers, both paid and unpaid, are predominantly female identified and experience a multitude of daily-life stressors as a result of their primary caregiving role. As a result of their assigned sex at birth and assigned gender roles, females are expected to be innately nurturing and to be better caregivers than their male counterparts. Often, women are expected to sacrifice careers and other potential personal, academic, and/or professional goals in order to care ...