Nancy Folbre's book The Invisible Heart is a pertinent discussion concerning the connection between altruism and self-interest. Folbre's book also discusses feminism. Specifically, Folbre makes the point that societies have historically placed incredibly strict limits on female freedom as a way to ensure care for children, the elderly, and the infirm always existed. As women have (rightfully) gained more freedoms and have thus moved away from care-taking roles, Folbre argues that there are consequences for those who still need care. Care is an undervalued job and skill that is needed across the world.
Using the eponymous invisible heart as a device to explain her point, Folbre argues that humans must balance altruism and self-interest so that the people that need care get it and ensure that the economy as a whole remains productive and hopefully, thriving.
Folbre makes her argument by outlining a series of rules or responsibilities that everyone in the society, regardless of their socioeconomic status, their role in society, their race, or perhaps most significantly, their gender. It is only after these rules are successfully implemented, Folbre argues, that society will be able to flourish.
