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This article explores major research traditions influencing Nordic care research – and Norwegian care research in particular. Care research includes the study of caring and care work, the ontological foundation of care, as well as the conditions and consequences of care within a given society. From the earliest contributions of pioneers Kari Martinsen, Katie Eriksson and Kari Wærness in the ’70s and ’80s and forward to the present, this research field has grown considerably. While some researchers emphasize an empirical approach, others focus on development of theory. This article asserts the advantages of increased integration regarding both research perspectives. Today’s government-financed care research stands in a challenged position, striving on the one hand to be “system-supportive”, while at the same time maintaining a “system-critical” profile. Additional assertions claim the necessity for greater emphasis on care research promoting “the good day” for people whose lives are characterized by weakness, adversity and death. Care research should maintain this perspective: remain focused for those individuals who, from an economic viewpoint, appear “unprofitable”.

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