Abstract
Globally, life expectancy is increasing as is the need for effective care responses to chronic health condition, global emergencies and health disparities. Alongside this, is a shortage of skilled care-givers. This 4-country qualitative study investigated Generation Z’s (the next generation to join the workforce) views of ‘care’ and ‘care careers’. Four cross-cultural themes emerged: conceptualising care; objects and subjects of care; recognising challenges of care; and appreciating care work. Themes, discussed in relation to Tronto’s analysis of care, illuminate Generation Z’s commitment to care and highlight the need for organisational and political action to attract young people to care careers.