Sign-In
Cart
Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change
Hardcover
Currently unavailable to order
Please enter your email and a message will be sent to you when this product becomes available on our website.
ISBN13: 9780062937360
Publisher: Harper Wave
Published: May 10 2022
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.70
Height: 1.20 Width: 5.70 Depth: 8.20
Language: English
From the acclaimed author of Like a Mother comes a reflection on the state of caregiving in America, and an exploration of mothering as a means of social change.
The Covid-19 pandemic shed fresh light on a long-overlooked truth: mothering is among the only essential work humans do. In response to the increasing weight placed on mothers and caregivers--and the lack of a social safety net to support them--writer Angela Garbes found herself pondering a vital question: How, under our current circumstances that leave us lonely, exhausted, and financially strained, might we demand more from American family life?
In Essential Labor, Garbes explores assumptions about care, work, and deservedness, offering a deeply personal and rigorously reported look at what mothering is, and can be. A first-generation Filipino-American, Garbes shares the perspective of her family's complicated relationship to care work, placing mothering in a global context--the invisible economic engine that has been historically demanded of women of color.
Garbes contends that while the labor of raising children is devalued in America, the act of mothering offers the radical potential to create a more equitable society. In Essential Labor, Garbes reframes the physically and mentally draining work of meeting a child's bodily and emotional needs as opportunities to find meaning, to nurture a deeper sense of self, pleasure, and belonging. This is highly skilled labor, work that impacts society at its most foundational level.
Part galvanizing manifesto, part poignant narrative, Essential Labor is a beautifully rendered reflection on care that reminds us of the irrefutable power and beauty of mothering.
2 different editions
Also available
Also in
Women's Health
Come as You Are: Revised and Updated: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life
Nagoski, Emily
Paperback
Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods
Briden Nd, Lara
Paperback
Women, Food, and Hormones: A 4-Week Plan to Achieve Hormonal Balance, Lose Weight, and Feel Like Yourself Again
Gottfried, Sara
Hardcover
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--And What You Really Need to Know
Oster, Emily
Paperback
I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction
TerKeurst, Lysa
Hardcover
Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!): The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls
Taylor, Sonya Renee
Paperback
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers
Frank, Michelle
Solden, Sari
Paperback
The First-Time Mom's Pregnancy Journal: Monthly Checklists, Activities, & Journal Prompts
Grossen, Aubrey
Paperback
Pcos SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness
Perella, Alexis
Gersh, Felice
Paperback
Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy
Garbes, Angela
Paperback
The Birth Partner 5th Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions
Simkin, Penny
Paperback
Living Pcos Free: How to Regain Your Hormonal Health with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Bajekal, Nitu
Bajekal, Rohini
Paperback
Let's Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Reshaped the World
Friedman, Danielle
Hardcover
Straighten Your Crown: Rediscovering that you are Seen, You Matter, and the King Delights in You
Blackwell, Trish
Paperback
Mindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body, and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond
Bardacke, Nancy
Paperback
What Fresh Hell Is This?: Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You
Corinna, Heather
Paperback
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: 2nd Edition: Fully Revised and Updated
Wick, Myra J.
Paperback
Bodies on the Line: At the Front Lines of the Fight to Protect Abortion in America
Rankin, Lauren
Hardcover
The Upgrade: How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better in Midlife and Beyond
Brizendine, Louann
Hardcover
The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-To-Be
Ash Rudick, Jennifer
Brott, Armin A.
Paperback
Pelvic Liberation: Using Yoga, Self-Inquiry, and Breath Awareness for Pelvic Health
Howard, Leslie
Paperback
8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS: A Proven Program to Reset Your Hormones, Repair Your Metabolism, and Restore Your Fertility
McCulloch, Fiona
Paperback
Baby 411: Your Baby, Birth to Age 1! Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask about Your Newborn: Breastfeeding, Wea
Brown, Ari
Fields, Denise
Paperback
The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and the Vagina: Separating the Myth from the Medicine
Gunter, Jen
Paperback
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Completely Revised and Updated 8th Edition
La Leche League International
Paperback
I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help!: How to Help Someone Accept Treatment -- 20th Anniversary Edition
Amador, Xavier
Paperback
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
Keppler, Ann
Simkin, Penny
Whalley, Janet
Paperback
The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start
Angelo White, Dana
Lang, Jennifer
Paperback
Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive Freedom
Kolbert, Kathryn
Kay, Julie F.
Hardcover
Daily Affirmations for Women: Change Your State of Mind with Positive Thinking
Elle, Christine Rose
Paperback
The Better Baby Book: How to Have a Healthier, Smarter, Happier Baby
Asprey, Lana
Asprey, David
Paperback
Woman Unleashed: Release Your Story, Revive Your Hormones & Reclaim Your Freedom
Jensen, Sonya
Paperback
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen: The Emotional Lives of Black Women
Burnett-Zeigler, Inger
Hardcover
Mayo Clinic on Osteoporosis: Keeping Your Bones Healthy and Strong and Reducing the Risk of Fracture
Kearns, Ann E.
Paperback
Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Smoking Without Willpower - Includes Quit Vaping: The Best-Selling Quit Smoking Method Updated for the 21st Century
Carr, Allen
Dicey, John
Paperback
Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
England Cnm Ma, Pam
Horowitz Phd, Rob
Paperback
Womancode: Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source
Vitti, Alisa
Paperback
The Hormone Reset Diet: Heal Your Metabolism to Lose Up to 15 Pounds in 21 Days
Gottfried, Sara
Paperback
Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond
Sims, Stacy T.
Yeager, Selene
Paperback
Dr. Colbert's Healthy Gut Zone: Heal Your Digestive System to Restore Your Body and Renew Your Mind
Colbert, Don
Hardcover
This Is How You Vagina: All about Your Vajayjay and Why You Probably Shouldn't Call It That
Williams MD, Nicole E.
Paperback
You Got This, Mama!: From Boobs to Blowouts, a Survival Guide for New Mothers
Swenson, Elizabeth
Hardcover
A Pregnancy Devotional- I'm Praying for You: 40 Weeks of Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for Your Developing Baby
Tague, Rebekah
Hardcover
Hypnobirthing: A Natural Approach to a Safe, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing
Mongan, Marie
Paperback
A Pregnancy Devotional- I'm Praying for You: 40 Weeks of Scripture, Prayer and Reflection for Your Developing Baby
Tague, Rebekah
Paperback
Woman Who Glows in the Dark: A Curandera Reveals Traditional Aztec Secrets of Physical and Spiritual Health
Estes, Clarissa Pinkola
Avila, Elena
Parker, Joy
Paperback
Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss
Saake, Jennifer
Paperback
The What to Expect Pregnancy Journal & Organizer: The All-In-One Pregnancy Diary
Murkoff, Heidi
Paperback
Your Guide to Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss: Hope and Healing When You're No Longer Expecting
White, Kate
Paperback
The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality
Johnson, Kimberly Ann
Paperback
Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know: What to Expect During the Three Stages of Menopause
Perella, Alexis
Gersh, Felice
Paperback
Better Breastfeeding: A Doctor's Guide to Nursing Without Pain and Frustration
Dahl, Linda D.
Paperback
Younger Next Year for Women: Live Strong, Fit, Sexy, and Smart--Until You're 80 and Beyond
Crowley, Chris
Lodge, Henry S.
Paperback
You Can Have a Better Period: A Practical Guide to Pain-Free and Calmer Periods
Brothers, Le'nise
Paperback
Why Did No One Tell Me This?: The Doulas' (Honest) Guide for Expectant Parents
Spivak, Ash
Hailes, Natalia
Paperback
Let's Talk about Down There: An Ob-GYN Answers All Your Burning Questions...Without Making You Feel Embarrassed for Asking
Lincoln, Jennifer
Paperback
Challenging Pregnancy: A Journey Through the Politics and Science of Healthcare in America
Grabman, Genevieve
Paperback
The Menopause Reset: Get Rid of Your Symptoms and Feel Like Your Younger Self Again
Pelz, Mindy
Paperback
Energy Medicine for Women: Aligning Your Body's Energies to Boost Your Health and Vitality
Eden, Donna
Feinstein, David
Paperback
Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care
Gianarelli Lac, Stephanie
Shahine MD, Lora
Paperback
The Moon Cycle Cookbook: A Holistic Nutrition Guide for a Well-Balanced Menstrual Cycle
Loftus, Devon
Radomski, Jenna
Paperback
How to Grow a Baby: A Science-Based Guide to Nurturing New Life, from Pregnancy to Childbirth and Beyond
Hammer, Amy
Paperback
Talking to My Tatas: All You Need to Know from a Breast Cancer Researcher and Survivor
Brantley-Sieders, Dana
Hardcover
Call of the Wild: How We Heal Trauma, Awaken Our Own Power, and Use It for Good
Johnson, Kimberly Ann
Hardcover
The Hormone Shift: Using Natural Hormone Balancing for Your Mood, Weight, Sleep & Female Health
Cutillo, Dawn M.
Paperback
Dude, You're Gonna Be a Dad!: How to Get (Both of You) Through the Next 9 Months
Pfeiffer, John
Paperback
The First-Time Mom's Pregnancy Handbook: A Week-By-Week Guide from Conception Through Baby's First 3 Months
Huntpalmer, Bryn
Paperback
The Feel-Good Pregnancy Cookbook: 100 Nutritious and Delicious Recipes for a Healthy 9 Months and Beyond
Kipping, Ryann
Paperback
Roar: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Unique Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Stron
Yeager, Selene
Sims, Stacy
Paperback
Healthy Beginnings: Giving Your Baby the Best Start, from Preconception to Birth
Blake, Jennifer
Schuurmans, Nan
Paperback
A Child Is Born: The Fifth Edition of the Beloved Classic--Completely Revised and Updated
Nilsson, Lennart
Forsell, Linda
Paperback
Flesh & Blood: Reflections on Infertility, Family, and Creating a Bountiful Life: A Memoir
Moss, N. West
Hardcover
PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track: The 12-week plan to optimize your chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby
Gersh, Felice
Perella, Alexis
Paperback
Radical Longevity: The Powerful Plan to Sharpen Your Brain, Strengthen Your Body, and Reverse the Symptoms of Aging
Gittleman, Ann Louise
Hardcover
The Wisdom of Menopause (4th Edition): Creating Physical and Emotional Health During the Change
Northrup, Christiane
Paperback
The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos, Find Focus, and Get More Done
Matlen, Terry
Paperback
It Starts with the Egg Fertility Cookbook: 100 Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes
Fett, Rebecca
Paperback
The Menopause Book: The Complete Guide: Hormones, Hot Flashes, Health, Moods, Sleep, Sex
Kantrowitz, Barbara
Wingert, Pat
Paperback
The Happy Hormone Guide: A Plant-Based Program to Balance Hormones, Increase Energy, & Reduce PMS Symptoms
Leparski, Shannon
Paperback
How to Heal a Bad Birth: Making sense, making peace and moving on
Bruijn, Melissa J.
Gould, Debby A.
Paperback
Understanding Girls with ADHD: How They Feel and Why They Do What They Do
Littman, Ellen
Quinn, Patricia
Nadeau, Kathleen
Paperback
The Bradley Method Student Workbook: To be filled-in with information from Bradley classes.
Hathaway, Marjie
Hathaway, James
Hathaway, Jay
Paperback
The 4-Week Endometriosis Diet Plan: 75 Healing Recipes to Relieve Symptoms and Regain Control of Your Life
Edmonds, Katie
Paperback
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing (Newly Updated and Revised 5th Edition)
Northrup, Christiane
Paperback
Reclaim the Rebel: 12 Rebellious Acts to Achieve Unconditional Love for Your Body
Cangro, Lizzy
Paperback
The Pregnant Goddess: Your Guide to Traditions, Rituals, and Blessings for a Sacred Pagan Pregnancy
Murphy-Hiscock, Arin
Hardcover
Wild Power: Discover the Magic of Your Menstrual Cycle and Awaken the Feminine Path to Power
Pope, Alexandra
Wurlitzer, Sjanie Hugo
Paperback
Nursing Mother's Companion 8th Edition: The Breastfeeding Book Mothers Trust, from Pregnancy Through Weaning
Huggins, Kathleen
Paperback
First-Time Mom's Pregnancy Activity Book: 100 Fun Games, Projects, and Prompts to Prepare for Baby
Blue, Tabitha
Paperback
El Cerebro XX: Una Guía Para Mejorar La Salud Cerebral Y Prevenir El Alzhéimer En La Mujer
Mosconi, Lisa
Paperback
Coping with Infertility, Miscarriage, and Neonatal Loss: Finding Perspective and Creating Meaning
Wenzel, Amy
Paperback
Danielle Collins' Face Yoga: Firming Facial Exercises & Inspiring Tips to Glow, Inside and Out
Collins, Danielle
Paperback
Making Sense of Menopause: Harnessing the Power and Potency of Your Wisdom Years
Willson, Susan
Paperback
Mayo Clinic Guide to Fibromyalgia: Strategies to Take Back Your Life
Bruce, Barbara K.
Abril, Andy
Paperback
Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Paperback
Awakening Fertility: The Essential Art of Preparing for Pregnancy by the Authors of the First Forty Days
Ou, Heng
Greeven, Amely
Belger, Marisa
Hardcover
Queer Conception: The Complete Fertility Guide for Queer and Trans Parents-To-Be
Kali, Kristin Liam
Paperback
Childbirth Without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth
Dick-Read, Grantly
Paperback
Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age
Hendrickx, Sarah
Paperback
My Menopausal Metamorphosis: How My Change of Life, Gave the Boot to Societal Strife
Jones, Elaine
Hardcover
Real Food for Gestational Diabetes: An Effective Alternative to the Conventional Nutrition Approach
Nichols, Lily
Paperback