Quarterly Essay 29: Love And Money

In Love & Money Anne Manne looks at the challenge of balancing love and economics, and the value our society places on both. Examining how paid work has become “sacred” for many, she argues that any true definition of equality has to take into account the fact of dependency and care for others.

This is an essay that ranges widely and entertainingly across contemporary culture: it casts an inquisitive eye at the modern marriage of Kevin Rudd and Therese Rein, as well as the power couple of John and Janette Howard. It shows how the “shadow economy” of care is often disregarded, and how childhood is under threat. It also examines how current discussion of work/life balance is too narrowly focused on an elite part of society. Manne shows that the labour market is organised in a way that allows affluent professionals to pay low-status, low-waged workers to take on their care needs.

Controversially, Manne argues that neo-liberal economics and (one version of) feminism have conspired to create this situation. Ultimately, this powerful essay is an argument for a new form of equality and a must-read for every Australian.