Frames care professions (nursing, teaching, social work) as undervalued and underpaid, suggesting systemic neglect despite high societal demand.
The article contrasts the high-stakes responsibilities of students in care roles with their lack of financial support, using data on delayed wage parity to underscore economic devaluation.
“In Aotearoa, it took more than eight years since starting study for a nurse and up to 12 years for a social worker to have higher earnings than someone on the minimum wage during that time, the research showed.”
