Scholar's book on the depletion of care wins 'best book' prize

Professor Shirin Rai’s book ‘Depletion: the human costs of caring’ was awarded the Susan Strange Best Book prize at the 2025 BISA (British International Studies Association).

‘Depletion’ provides a deep study into the human cost and realities of care work, and how they vary across the boundaries of class, race, and gender – not only in the UK but in communities across the world. The book also examines the social pressures on care workers across generations, and the physical strain of commuting to work and for care.

I hope that Depletion becomes an essential source for learning and understanding the importance of gendered lens on the economy, for the next generation of students who are inspired to study gender-related topics.

Chapters explore the value of unpaid work performed by workers of different classes, the costs of household work performed by children, and the effects on communities when local economies are challenged by corporate interests. 

The panel for the 2025 BISA Susan Strange Best Book award noted : 'Rigorous, original, and urgent, the book embodies the highest possible scholarly standards within our field' and commended Professor Rai for making a an outstanding contribution to shape ‘understanding of the physical, mental, environmental and other costs of social reproduction, forcing recognition of the structures – of gender, race, class, and beyond – within which care work is done.’

Speaking on the award, Professor Rai said:

“It’s a great honour to be recognised by BISA to further the conversation and study of social reproduction. I hope that Depletion becomes an essential source for learning and understanding the importance of gendered lens on the economy, for the next generation of students who are inspired to study gender-related topics and navigate these issues on both a national and international scale.”

Professor Rai is a Distinguished Research Professor in Department of Politics and International Studies and Fellow of the British Academy. She has written extensively on gender in/equality, political economy, care and caring, and on women's participation in politics.

Professor Rai’s research interests lie in politics and feminist international political economy, performance and politics, and gender and political institutions. ‘Depletion: the human costs of caring’ released in autumn 2024.