This was the title of the workshop that HRF organised in Rome in partnership with Santa Croce in the context of the Conference “Perspectives on altruism: empathy, compassion, care” celebrated in Rome on 6-7-8 March.

In the workshop moderated by Julia Prats, the four panelists delved deeper into the concept of “home” in relation to altruism, emphasizing the essential connection between caring for the home and caring for others. Here, “home” transcends the physical space defined by walls and becomes the broader concept of “oikos”, encompassing our shared environment, relationships, and responsibilities.

Altruism invites us to see the home not just as a personal domain but as a shared space requiring mutual care and consideration. This perspective encourages the recognition of the “other”—whether people, nature, or community—as integral to the well-being of the home. By fostering an ethic of care that bridges the personal and the collective, we explore how nurturing the home inherently nurtures those around us, promoting a sustainable and compassionate coexistence. This interplay challenges us to rethink what “home” truly means and how it shapes our responsibilities to the wider world.

See participants and abstracts:

• Luca Valera | Universidad de Valladolid; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

The Oikos: Our home and environment

• Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem | University of York; Home Renaissance Foundation

The Architecture of Home: The fluidity of space, culture, time, and care

• Rosa Lastra | Queen Mary University of London; Home Renaissance Foundation

The Home as a Shared Responsibility

• Francesca Ditifeci | Università degli Studi di Firenze

The Path of Care in International Adoption