Deficit

An internationally acclaimed bestseller and recipient of the 2024 Politiken Literature Prize, this groundbreaking book offers a fresh perspective on economic thought by highlighting the importance of care and its often overlooked role in economic calculations. Emma Holten, a renowned Danish feminist, presents "Deficit" as a compelling call to action. Holten critiques how economic theorists have historically dismissed care work, labeling it as mere 'women's work,' leading to detrimental effects such as deteriorating public services, struggling educational systems, and collapsing care infrastructure. She argues that simple, everyday actions—like helping a child with homework, checking in on relatives, or supporting a colleague—are foundational to a thriving economy. This insightful work challenges readers to reassess the economic value of care, emphasizing the necessity for a paradigm shift towards prioritizing health and happiness in our pursuit of a better future. Acclaimed by feminist voices like Sofie Hagen, Holten's work is considered a crucial contribution to 21st-century feminist literature.