Bergmann advanced a coherent and compassionate vision of public policy: one that recognizes care, equity, and social stability as pillars of a healthy society, which requires robust public funding and regulation, aimed at supporting both working parents and professional caregivers. She constantly emphasized the collective responsibility of society to support people in need, by arguing that effective economic policy requires substantial public investment and regulation aimed at promoting a robust welfare agenda, as opposed to other possible measures such as basic income. She defended the principle of intergenerational solidarity in relation to aging and retirement when promoting social security.