Perspectives on Social and Material Fractures in Care

The COVID-19 pandemic functioned as a stark illuminator, exposing the deep-seated cracks in social and material support for those in caregiving roles. Despite the resilience of care workers and essential personnel, the lack of robust connections and infrastructure became apparent, impacting these individuals but resonating across the broader public. The pandemic laid bare the lengths people must go to care for others and the urgent need for interconnectedness and support within caregiving realms. Perspectives on Social and Material Fractures in Care offers a multi-disciplinary exploration of care, drawing on existing theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and personal stories. By navigating the complexities of care at various levels, the book aims to provide a profound understanding of the current state of affairs. Moreover, it does not stop at diagnosis; it seeks to propel the conversation forward by delving into ethical, intersectional, and life-sustaining approaches to enhance the very fabric of caregiving. As we confront the pressing issues surrounding who receives care, who is expected to care, and the seemingly off-limits aspects of societal concern, the book becomes a vital resource for academics, higher education professionals, and students eager to grasp the intricate dynamics of care in the contemporary United States. Perspectives on Social and Material Fractures in Care encompasses social service professionals, policy developers, and those within the workplace. It provides indispensable insights into the shifting paradigms of care, exploring topics such as care in organizations, interactive care within interpersonal relationships, caring across institutions and sectors, and the communal nature of care. In the face of these complex challenges, rather than merely highlighting these problems, this book offers a roadmap for healing the fractures of care. By addressing these crucial issues, Perspectives on Social and Material Fractures in Care emerges as a scholarly asset and a transformative guide toward fostering a more resilient, interconnected, and ethically grounded approach to caregiving in our society.