The Subject of Care: Feminist Perspectives on Dependency (Feminist Constructions) [Paperback]

Eva Feder Kittay (Author), Ellen K. Feder (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0742513637 | ISBN-13: 978-0742513631 | Publication Date: January 29, 2003

All people spend a considerable portion of their lives either as dependents or the caretakers of dependents. The fact of human dependency--a function of youth, severe illness, disability, or frail old age--marks our lives, not only as those who are cared for, but as those who engage in the work of caring. In spite of the time, energy and resources-material and emotional, social and individual-that dependency care requires, these concerns rarely enter into philosophical, legal, and political discussions. In The Subject of Care, feminist scholars consider how acknowledgement of the fact of dependency changes our conceptions of law, political theory, and morality, as well as our very conceptions of self. Contributors develop feminist understandings of dependency, reassessing the place dependency occupies in our lives and in a just social order.

Editorial Reviews

Review

With rich, interdisciplinary essays by pioneers in the field as well as pathbreaking newcomers, The Subject of Care takes us through key political and philosophical debates and then out on the other side to envision new meanings for dependency and care. This book is essential reading for all those who perform the work of caring and receive care--in other words, for all of us. (Sonya Michel )

While the work is highly recommended for the way that it assists in creatively moving on the debate over an ethics of care, it is also successful in provoking reflection on wider issues. (Philosophy In Review )

This interdisciplinary anthology succeeds compellingly and convincingly at the challenge of arguing for the central role of dependency in understanding human agency, sociopolitical philosophy and policy, and ethical obligations. (Social Theory And Practice )

Eva Kittay and Ellen Feder have brought together (and both contributed to) an excellent collection of essays on various aspects of relations of care, focused in particular on relations of dependency. The volume as a whole provides a rich resource for thinking about a number of dimensions of dependency, and relations of care for dependents. This volume is rich with new terminology, fresh concepts and ideas, creative analyses and suggested novel approaches to intractable social problems, not only regarding relations of dependency, but also a number of other issues, including racism, sexism, classism, globalization, and environmental degradation. Although the essays mainly deal only with the United States, the text is nonetheless a valuable resource for feminists, both activists and scholars, both in the United States and elsewhere, as well as a useful text to use all or parts of in graduate seminars relating to feminist theory, sociology, economics, social ethics, and political philosophy. (Apa Newsletter On Feminism And Philosophy )

If anything stands out after reading these essays, it is that so many provided new, engaging conceptual and political insights into care. . . . While tackling many issues from a distinctly feminist perspective, these contributors also provide reflections and proposals that are essential reading for any political theorist, philosopher, or activist currently committed to a substantive vision of freedom and a progressive approach to social justice. (Contemporary Political Thought )

This book is filled with intelligence, analytic precision, and moral vision. Essential reading for philosophers, political theorists, policy makers, and those interested in expanding their understanding of the human condition. (Gottlieb, Roger S. )

Interesting and thought-provoking essays, and by collecting them this way Kittay and Feder have helped define and advance one of the most important projects of contemporary feminist theory. (G.A.C. Ethics )

These are interesting and thought-provoking essays, and by collecting them min this way Kittay and Feder have helped define and advance one of the most important projects of contemporary feminist theory. (Grace A. Clement Book Review Digest )

About the Author

Eva Feder Kittay is professor of philosophy at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and the author, most recently, of Love's Labor: Essays on Women, Equality, and Dependence. Ellen K. Feder is assistant professor of philosophy at American University. The pair have also coedited a special issue of Hypatia on the family and feminist theory.

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (January 29, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742513637
• ISBN-13: 978-0742513631
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #374,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Care and the Human condition, May 18, 2003

By 

Roger S. Gottlieb "Classical music lover" (Jamaica Plain,, MA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Subject of Care: Feminist Perspectives on Dependency (Feminist Constructions) (Paperback)

With anlytic precision and moral vision, a roster of excellent authors explore the moral, political, and policy dimensions of the relation of care: of parents for children, children for aging parents, for the sick, the disabled, the infirm.
Essential reading for philosophers, political theorists and lawmakers. Enlightening reading for anyone who wants to think deeply about the human condition.