Cameron Lynne Macdonald
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520222328
- eISBN:
- 9780520947818
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520222328.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gender and Sexuality
This book shines new light on an aspect of contemporary motherhood often hidden from view: the need for paid childcare by women returning to the workforce, and the complex bonds mothers forge with ...
More
This book shines new light on an aspect of contemporary motherhood often hidden from view: the need for paid childcare by women returning to the workforce, and the complex bonds mothers forge with the “shadow mothers” they hire. This book illuminates both sides of an unequal and complicated relationship. Based on in-depth interviews with professional women and childcare providers—immigrant and American-born nannies as well as European au pairs—this book locates the roots of individual skirmishes between mothers and their childcare providers in broader cultural and social tensions. The book argues that these conflicts arise from unrealistic ideals about mothering and inflexible career paths and work schedules, as well as from the devaluation of paid care work.Less
This book shines new light on an aspect of contemporary motherhood often hidden from view: the need for paid childcare by women returning to the workforce, and the complex bonds mothers forge with the “shadow mothers” they hire. This book illuminates both sides of an unequal and complicated relationship. Based on in-depth interviews with professional women and childcare providers—immigrant and American-born nannies as well as European au pairs—this book locates the roots of individual skirmishes between mothers and their childcare providers in broader cultural and social tensions. The book argues that these conflicts arise from unrealistic ideals about mothering and inflexible career paths and work schedules, as well as from the devaluation of paid care work.
Cameron Lynne Macdonald
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520222328
- eISBN:
- 9780520947818
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520222328.003.0009
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gender and Sexuality
This chapter examines alternative employer-childcare provider relationships and explores avenues for change. It describes the common relationships between mother-employers and nannies and shows that ...
More
This chapter examines alternative employer-childcare provider relationships and explores avenues for change. It describes the common relationships between mother-employers and nannies and shows that paid childcare can be incorporated into family life in ways that benefit all the participants. It explains that nannies who reflected on their ideal relationship also emphasized the importance of communication and mutual respect. It highlights the importance of determining best practices that facilitate successful communication and mutual recognition in parent-caregiver relationships given the fact that childcare workers are here to stay as crucial members of families' childrearing strategies.Less
This chapter examines alternative employer-childcare provider relationships and explores avenues for change. It describes the common relationships between mother-employers and nannies and shows that paid childcare can be incorporated into family life in ways that benefit all the participants. It explains that nannies who reflected on their ideal relationship also emphasized the importance of communication and mutual respect. It highlights the importance of determining best practices that facilitate successful communication and mutual recognition in parent-caregiver relationships given the fact that childcare workers are here to stay as crucial members of families' childrearing strategies.
