Barriers, Challenges, and Supports for Family Caregivers in Science, Engineering, and Medicine: Proceedings of Two Symposia (2023)
Chapter: 1 Introduction
1
Introduction
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, research demonstrated a significant impact of family caregiving responsibilities on the careers of professionals who work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM)—especially women. A 2019 study, for example, reported that 43 percent of new mothers and 23 percent of new fathers left full-time STEMM employment after the birth of their first child (Cech and Blair-Loy, 2019). For parents who remain in the STEMM workforce, as well as for individuals who provide informal care to ill, aging, and/or disabled family members, the challenge of managing professional and personal responsibilities is considerable. Studies have documented the effect of family caregiving responsibilities on the health and well-being of caregivers, including elevated rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and chronic disease (NASEM, 2016).
The COVID-19 pandemic increased public recognition of the challenges experienced by caregivers in STEMM fields and created a sense of urgency among many stakeholders. For example, there is greater awareness of biases against women with children, particularly among women of color in STEMM (Kachchaf et al., 2015). Such biases are often rooted in a false perception that women who have caregiving responsibilities are not as committed or productive as their colleagues who do not have such responsibilities. Whereas fathers who return to work after the birth of a child are often viewed by colleagues as more professionally competent, mothers who
return to work may be viewed as less competent relative to working women without children (Borelli et al., 2017).
A 2020 consensus study from the Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine identified caregiving as one factor to consider to attract and retain women in STEMM fields, and to ensure they have leadership opportunities (NASEM, 2020). In January 2023, the committee initiated work on a new consensus study to address the barriers faced by caregivers, of all genders, in STEMM fields (see Box 1-1 for the Statement of Task for both the full consensus report as well as this proceedings).
To begin the information-gathering process, the committee organized two national symposia to assemble scholars and leaders from a range of sectors to identify evidence-based interventions that can support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of caregivers in science, engineering, and medical fields. The symposia were held on February 27 and March 27, 2023.
INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHAIR
In welcoming participants to the symposium, committee chair Elena Fuentes-Afflick, M.D., M.P.H. (University of California, San Francisco) reviewed the committee’s statement of task (see Box 1-1, above) and discussed its alignment with the goals of the Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine. “Women bear the disproportionate brunt of unpaid and paid caregiving labor in this country, and the committee will focus on the challenges of caregiving on career advancement for women in STEMM,” she said. She also noted the disproportionate impact of caregiving on women of color who are in STEMM.
The context of the current study is framed by a knowledge of the barriers to effective policy implementation to support caregivers of all genders, coupled with an awareness of the consequences of failing to provide sufficient support for individuals, for institutions, and for the nation. “We risk losing the expertise and contributions of those in the STEMM workforce with caregiving responsibilities,” Fuentes-Afflick said. She underscored that while the COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on these challenges, they are long-standing. She noted the complementary areas of expertise and perspectives of the committee members.
The committee designed the symposia to learn about the barriers and challenges faced by caregivers in STEMM and the caregiving policy landscape at federal, state, and organizational levels. Dr. Fuentes-Afflick thanked the speakers, sponsors, and participants for their involvement in this phase of the committee’s work.
ORGANIZATION OF THIS PROCEEDINGS
This proceedings is a summary of the presentations and discussions held on February 27 and March 27, 2023. Throughout the document, the terms “informal caregiving” and “unpaid caregiving” are used to refer to caring labor for children, older adults, family, or close friends that is performed outside of the formal labor market and is not remunerated, for example, a parent caring for a child or a child caring for their aging parent. The proceedings flows in the order that each of the presentations occurred across the two symposia to provide the most accurate summary of how these two events unfolded. Chapters 2 through 4 capture the first symposium session. Chapter 2 summarizes the keynote address to provide the context for the rest of the symposium. Chapter 3 captures a discussion with three
experts who are involved in policy development and advocacy at multiple levels, with particular attention to the federal and state policy landscape. Chapter 4 focuses on a summary of research on institutional policies and practices for supporting caregivers. Chapter 5 begins a summary of the second session, with research on caregivers of adults at various life stages, as well as on the careers of faculty with caregiving responsibilities. Policies and programs through federal agencies and funding are explored in Chapter 6, including caregiving provisions of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act (CHIPS Act; P.L. 117-167) and programs within four federal science agencies. The workshop agenda and biographical sketches of the speakers can be found in the appendixes.
These two symposia provided rich insight into the current caregiving landscape in the United States. While the chapters that follow provide an in-depth account of each session in the two symposia, many key themes and insights emerged across the presentations. First and foremost, each of the presentations highlighted the challenges that caregivers face whether it be due to inadequate organizational policies and support; a lack of access to or challenges accessing state or federal support through caregiving legislation; or prevailing cultures that minimize, devalue, and ignore the work and role of caregivers in society. Additionally, these presentations showcased the state of current knowledge about policies that aim to support caregivers. Many presenters noted that evidence on existing policies remains underdeveloped in many ways but did highlight strong evidence for specific interventions such as flexibility and paid leave. Presenters also underscored the importance of ensuring equitable policies with sufficient financial support and reduction of barriers to access to ensure all caregivers can benefit. Finally, presenters drew attention to the lived experiences of caregivers, including many of their own experiences providing care, noting the challenges, the joys, and the support they received that helped them along the way.
In accordance with the policies of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the symposia were not intended to establish any conclusions or recommendations about needs and future directions. This proceedings was prepared by rapporteurs as a factual summary of what occurred at the two symposia; the planning committee’s role was limited to planning the events.
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