This outstanding work examines black mothers' engagements with attachment parenting and shows how it both undermines and reflects neoliberalism. Unique in its intersectional analysis, it fills a gap in the literature, drawing on black feminist theorising to examine intensive mothering practices and policies.
Attachment parenting is an increasingly popular style of childrearing that emphasises 'natural' activities such as extended breastfeeding, bedsharing and babywearing. Such parenting activities are framed as the key to addressing a variety of social ills. Parents' choices are thus made deeply significant with the potential to guarantee the well-being of future societies.
Examining black mothers' engagements with attachment parenting, Hamilton shows the limitations of this neoliberal approach. Unique in its intersectional analysis of contemporary mothering ideologies, this outstanding book fills a gap in the literature on parenting culture studies, drawing on black feminist theorizing to analyse intensive mothering practices and policies.
By:
Patricia Hamilton (University College London)
Imprint: Bristol University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781529207934
ISBN 10: 1529207932
Series: Sociology of Children and Families
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 04 January 2021
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
General/trade
,
Undergraduate
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction Part I: Contexualizing AP: Attachment Parenting’s Rise To Prominence (And Infamy) From Scientific Motherhood To Intensive Mothering Why Now? AP In A Neoliberal, Postracial Context Part II: AP And Parenting Advice In Britain And Canada Best For Whom? Experiences Of Breastfeeding Mother Knows Best? Bedsharing Against Expert Advice Babywearing: Fads, Dangers and Cultural Appropriation Part III: Dividing Parenting Labour Negotiating Parental Leave Policies in Britain and Canada 'Staying At Home' Or 'Choosing To Work' Part IV: Constructing An Oppositional Model Of Good Motherhood Reclaiming AP Conclusion
Patricia Hamilton is a Marie Curie Research Fellow in the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the University College London. Her current project is an intersectional examination of parental leave policy development and use in the UK.
Reviews for Black Mothers and Attachment Parenting: A Black Feminist Analysis of Intensive Mothering in Britain and Canada
"""A ground-breaking book that is essential reading for anyone interested in the politics of parenting, gender and race. Acutely observed, beautifully written, and a very welcome addition to the field."" Charlotte Faircloth, University College London ""Centring on the perspectives of Black mothers, this important book provides fresh insights into the racial politics of contemporary motherhood and highlights new possibilities for reconciling contradictory images of mothering. A must-read."" Sinikka Elliott, University of British Columbia"
