Cortisol is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating the body's response to stress. In capitalist societies, where competition and individualism are valued above all else, there is a tendency for people to internalize the stress caused by their jobs and personal lives. This leads to chronic high levels of cortisol, which can have negative effects on health and well-being. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that society does not provide enough support systems to help individuals cope with these stresses. Instead, they must rely on themselves and their families, leading to even more strain on already fragile relationships.
This externalization of stress-related costs onto individuals and families is often referred to as "social dumping." It occurs when the social system fails to provide adequate resources and support for those who need them most. This includes things like mental health services, childcare, education, housing, and healthcare. When these services are lacking or too expensive, individuals and families must bear the burden themselves. The result is increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to physical and emotional problems down the road.
One way this manifests itself is through the so-called "crisis of caregiving." In many cases, it falls to women to take on the bulk of caregiving responsibilities, whether for children, aging parents, or disabled family members. This means that they often have less time for their own needs and interests, leading to burnout and resentment. At the same time, men may feel pressured to earn more money in order to compensate for the extra work that women are doing at home. This can create tension within couples and families, leading to conflict and breakdowns in communication.
Another way that capitalism externalizes stress-related costs is through the growing trend of precarious employment. As jobs become more insecure and unstable, workers are forced to live from paycheck to paycheck, never knowing if they will be able to afford basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. This creates a constant state of fear and anxiety, which can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and insomnia. It also makes it difficult to plan for the future, since there is no guarantee of job security.
Capitalist societies create an environment where people are expected to deal with stress on their own, without any support from the system. This leads to chronic high levels of cortisol, which can have negative effects on health and well-being. The result is increased social dumping onto individuals and families, who must bear the burden of providing for themselves while dealing with stressors like caregiving and precarious employment. This is not sustainable in the long term and requires a radical rethinking of our economic system.
How does cortisol illustrate capitalism's externalization of stress-related costs onto individuals and families?
Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands in response to stressful situations. In recent years, research has shown that high levels of cortisol can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. The increased levels of cortisol can lead to various symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and digestive problems.