Reconceiving Pregnancy and Childcare [Hardcover]

This book argues for increased recognition of pregnancy, birthing and childrearing as social activities.This highly original book argues for increased recognition of pregnancy, birthing and childrearing as social activities demanding simultaneously physical, intellectual, emotional and moral work from those who undertake them.Written from the perspective of a feminist philosopher, the book draws on the work of and seeks to increase dialogue between philosophers and childcare professionals, disability theorists, nurses and sociologists.This highly original book argues for increased recognition of pregnancy, birthing and childrearing as social activities demanding simultaneously physical, intellectual, emotional and moral work from those who undertake them.Written from the perspective of a feminist philosopher, the book draws on the work of and seeks to increase dialogue between philosophers and childcare professionals, disability theorists, nurses and sociologists.This book argues for increased recognition of pregnancy, birthing and childrearing as social activities demanding simultaneously physical, intellectual, emotional and moral work from those who undertake them. Amy Mullin considers both parenting and paid childcare, and examines the impact of disability on this work. The first chapters contest misconceptions about pregnancy and birth such as the idea that pregnancy is only valued for its end result, and not for the process. Subsequent chapters focus on childcare provided in different circumstances and on the needs of both providers and receivers of care.Introduction; 1. Pregnancy misconceived; 2. Reconceiving pregnancy; 3. The ethical significance of pregnancy; 4. What about birth?; 5. Mother and others: who can be 'maternal thinkers'?; 6. Caring for children, caring for friends, caring by children; Conclusion; Notes; References; Index. Mullin's work is highly interdisciplinary while her voice remains decidedly philosophical. This makes her text a valuabllƒ¡