This issue explores care from a feminist perspective by exploring women’s experiences of care work in different context, highlighting the impact that care work had for their lives, choices, and wellbeing, and for the institutions of family, state and market – all of which lose out through unsustainable arrangements for care. The authors share innovative ways in which some governments and development organisations are responding to ensure care is shared equitably. The issue argues that the existing ‘careless’ economy is untenable and unsustainable, but considerable challenges in getting care into development policies and practice remain. Shifts in beliefs surrounding development presents an opportunity in which care and its significance to humanity can be made more visible.