Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change

Caregivers play an essential role in the development of young brains and bodies that do not hold disdain for themselves.

My tongue, my body—they’re pleasure-seeking missiles launched the day I was born, and that I have no idea how, and no desire, to shut down.

We extend the American ideals of productivity and efficiency to our off-hours.

I don’t believe care work has to wreck us. This labor can be shared, social, collective—and transformative.

What if every child believed that being “good” at a sport or activity—football, badminton, or ballet; break dancing, skateboarding, or curling; fencing, jumping rope, or juggling—means that you enjoy doing it?

Are there tensions? Yes. But there is also dependability, trust, and support that is easily asked for and offered.

As I age, the more convinced I am that the concept of “normal” is the most toxic thing in our culture.

It makes white women uncomfortable to think that they are no different from their hired help.

We will always find ways to take care of one another. When we lean into this natural, unstoppable, and very human urge, the results are expansive. And I want more.