THE PREVALENCE OF SOCIAL DISRESPECT TOWARDS CAREGIVERS: A BARRIER TO INDUSTRY GROWTH AND QUALITY ELDERLY CARE IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

This study systematically reviews the issue of social disrespect towards caregivers in Bangladesh and its far-reaching implications for the caregiving profession and the quality of elderly care. Drawing from 80 high-quality studies, the review reveals that social disrespect—manifesting as verbal abuse, condescension, and lack of recognition—is a widespread problem faced by caregivers, leading to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and high turnover rates. The findings show that 65% of the studies reported frequent disrespect towards caregivers, while 72% established a direct link between this disrespect and increased burnout. Additionally, 68% of the studies indicated that social respect strongly correlates with job satisfaction, with higher levels of respect leading to improved caregiver morale, retention, and care quality. Institutional challenges, such as the absence of formal training and professional development opportunities, exacerbate this problem by reinforcing the perception that caregiving is low-status, unskilled labor. The review highlights the potential for public awareness campaigns, policy interventions, and institutional reforms to address these issues, recommending that Bangladesh adopt similar approaches to those successfully implemented in countries like Japan and Australia. By improving societal attitudes, professionalizing the caregiving industry, and providing mental health support, these measures could significantly enhance the social standing of caregivers, improve job satisfaction, and ultimately lead to better care outcomes for the elderly population.