Essential Labor - Book Summary (2024)

Mothering as survival encompasses the essential role of caregivers in providing emotional and physical care for children, ensuring their well-being and growth. This concept extends beyond biological mothers to include non-parents and people of all genders who contribute to the nurturing and support of children. Mothering is a social responsibility that requires human interdependence and community involvement.

One example of the importance of mothering as survival is the work of bilingual preschool teachers who instill values of community responsibility in children while encouraging joy and play. These educators contribute to the overall well-being of children by fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness.

The concept of mothering as survival also highlights the significance of emotional care in shaping a child's resilience and emotional expression. Caregiving and mothering have lifelong consequences on the emotional well-being of children, as they learn to cope with overwhelming emotions and develop healthy ways of expressing themselves.

In addition to emotional care, mothering as survival emphasizes the importance of physical care in nurturing a child's life force and essence. The sensual aspect of mothering, such as touch and physical closeness, contributes to a child's sense of safety and connectedness.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought the crucial role of mothers and caregivers to the forefront, revealing the highly skilled work they perform in ensuring the survival and well-being of children. As society moves forward, it is essential to continue recognizing and valuing the contributions of those who engage in mothering as a means of survival and human interdependence.

Essential Labor by Angela Garbes explores the value and importance of caregiving work, particularly mothering, in society. Garbes weaves together personal experiences, research, and cultural analysis to challenge preconceived notions about caregiving and its role in social change. The book emphasizes the need for a more inclusive, progressive, and pleasure-centered approach to understanding human bodies and their place in the world.

Here are 10 specific actions or main facts from Essential Labor:

1. Recognize the value of caregiving work, including unpaid labor, and advocate for fair compensation and support for caregivers.
2. Embrace the idea of mothering as a form of human interdependence, where care and support are shared among communities.
3. Learn from the history of caregiving and domestic work, such as the 1881 Atlanta Washerwomen Strike, to understand the importance of collective action and solidarity.
4. Consider the potential benefits of socializing childcare and meal preparation, as suggested by Angela Davis, to reduce isolation and promote community connections.
5. Challenge traditional gender roles and expectations in caregiving, encouraging both men and women to participate in and value care work.
6. Teach children progressive, inclusive, and pleasure-centered ways of understanding their bodies and their place in the world.
7. Foster a sense of worthiness in children by nurturing their self-esteem and encouraging them to embrace their unique qualities.
8. Encourage children's appetites for learning, curiosity, and exploration, helping them develop a healthy relationship with their desires and interests.
9. Promote movement and physical activity as a form of self-care and connection with others, emphasizing the importance of bodily experiences in overall well-being.
10. Advocate for policies and social changes that support caregivers, such as affordable childcare, paid family leave, and fair wages for domestic workers.