Featuring a series of research presentations and policy case studies, the conference will explore the causes and consequences of changing work, family, and caregiving trends in diverse regions and highlight social policies and programs that support the accommodation of work and caregiving roles to promote gender equity, economic stability, and family wellbeing. 

The “International Research Workshop on Work, Family, and Caregiving in a Global Context,” co-organized by the University of Chicago and Hong Kong Baptist University, is set to take place on April 24-25, 2025. This event aims to bring together scholars and practitioners to explore the complex interactions between labour conditions, employment stability, and caregiving responsibilities across various regions. It is designed to begin with welcome remarks, setting the stage for a series of thought-provoking discussions and presentations. The first day’s keynote address plans to provide a global analysis of income transfer policies for families with children, with subsequent panel discussions examining challenges faced by low-income families in the United States and the broader implications of employment instability on wellbeing.

Participants are expected to engage in a rich exchange of ideas through multiple panel discussions over the two days. The first day will focus on socioeconomic barriers for low-income families, employment stability, and the intersection of work, family, and caregiving needs. Experts from various institutions are scheduled to share their research, offering comparative insights from regions such as the United States, Taiwan, Singapore, and China. These sessions are intended to encourage dialogue on policy interventions and social safety net protections, with dynamic Q&A segments to foster deeper understanding and collaboration among attendees.

The second day will shift attention to the employment conditions of older workers in Hong Kong and strategies for balancing paid work with caregiving duties. An agency visit to the Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centres is planned to provide practical perspectives on migrant services, complementing the theoretical discussions from the workshop. The event is set to conclude with a reception, promoting informal networking and further collaboration. Overall, the workshop aims to serve as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge and fostering partnerships to address pressing social issues in a global context.