The term care drain, coined in 2002 by the feminist sociologist Arlie Hochschild, refers to the migration of women working in caregiving roles and the impact on the families and nations they leave behind when seeking employment in countries with stronger economies. It criticizes how the term "brain drain" often overlooks these women while discussing human capital flight, which typically focuses on professionals leaving their home countries. Conversely, "care gain" refers to the benefits for women migrant workers, their families, and the receiving nations.[1][2]
Care drain is notable in five migratory streams:[3]
From Eastern Europe to Western Europe
From Mexico, Central America, and South America to the United States