Description
Book Synopsis: NATIONAL BESTSELLER
From the acclaimed author of Like a Mother comes a reflection on the state of caregiving in America, and an exploration of mothering as a means of social change.
The Covid-19 pandemic shed fresh light on a long-overlooked truth: mothering is among the only essential work humans do. In response to the increasing weight placed on mothers and caregivers—and the lack of a social safety net to support them—writer Angela Garbes found herself pondering a vital question: How, under our current circumstances that leave us lonely, exhausted, and financially strained, might we demand more from American family life? In Essential Labor, Garbes explores assumptions about care, work, and deservedness, offering a deeply personal and rigorously reported look at what mothering is, and can be. A first-generation Filipino-American, Garbes shares the perspective of her family's complicated relationship to care work, placing mothering in a global context—the invisible economic engine that has been historically demanded of women of color. Garbes contends that while the labor of raising children is devalued in America, the act of mothering offers the radical potential to create a more equitable society. In Essential Labor, Garbes reframes the physically and mentally draining work of meeting a child's bodily and emotional needs as opportunities to find meaning, to nurture a deeper sense of self, pleasure, and belonging. This is highly skilled labor, work that impacts society at its most foundational level.
Part galvanizing manifesto, part poignant narrative, Essential Labor is a beautifully rendered reflection on care that reminds us of the irrefutable power and beauty of mothering.
Details
Discover the transformative power of mothering as a means of social change in the thought-provoking and timely book Essential Labor by Angela Garbes. As the Covid-19 pandemic brought the essential role of caregivers into sharp focus, Garbes delves into the heart of mothering in America, challenging societal norms and calling for a reevaluation of the value placed on caregiving. Explore the intricate web of care, work, and deservingness in this deeply personal and meticulously researched exploration of motherhood as a catalyst for reshaping our world.
Embrace a new perspective on the tireless work of mothering through Garbes' illuminating narrative that highlights the often-unseen labor of raising children. Essential Labor sheds light on the historical significance of care work, particularly for women of color, while offering a powerful vision for a more equitable society. Garbes' compelling storytelling and insightful analysis make a compelling case for recognizing mothering as highly skilled labor with the potential to bring about lasting social change.
Engage with the radical notion that mothering is not merely about meeting the physical and emotional needs of children, but a profound opportunity for personal growth and societal transformation. Essential Labor invites readers to reconsider the value and impact of care work, urging us to reimagine the fundamental role of caregiving in shaping our communities. Join Angela Garbes on a journey of empowerment and enlightenment as she eloquently demonstrates the inherent power and beauty of mothering.
Ready to explore the transformative potential of mothering and caregiving in Essential Labor? Dive into this national bestseller today and gain fresh insights into the essential work of motherhood. Let Angela Garbes guide you through a compelling narrative that celebrates the resilience, strength, and undeniable impact of mothers everywhere. Take the first step towards a more compassionate and equitable society by embracing the power of Essential Labor.
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