Worlds of Care: The Emotional Lives of Fathers Caring for Children with Disabilities (California Series in Public Anthropology)

by Aaron J. Jackson

The stories of fathers caring for non-verbal children and how these experiences alter their understandings of care, masculinity, and living a full life.

Vulnerable narratives of fatherhood are few and far between; rarer still is an ethnography that delves into the practical and emotional realities of intensive caregiving. Grounded in the intimate everyday lives of men caring for children with major physical and intellectual disabilities, Worlds of Care undertakes an exploration of how men shape their identities in the context of caregiving. Anthropologist Aaron J. Jackson fuses ethnographic research and creative nonfiction to offer an evocative account of what is required for men to create habitable worlds and find some kind of “normal” when their circumstances are anything but. Combining stories from his fieldwork in North America with reflections on his own experience caring for his severely disabled son, Jackson argues that care has the potential to transform our understanding of who we are and how we relate to others.

Genres: Anthropology

216 pages, Hardcover

Published April 13, 2021

Reviews

[Jimmy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting this book to be so readable and touching. My daughter was born with undiagnosed disabilities. My wife bought me this book. It took me a while to read it. I was worried that it might be a bit boring since it is published by an academic press. I finally picked it up and finished reading it in one night. It made me cry and it gave me hope. Especially Paul’s story. The author really has captured our ‘worlds of care’. I am recommending this book to all the dads/parents at my daughter’s school.

[Heide Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson’s ethnography is a great contribution to phenomenologically oriented anthropology. Elegantly weaving ethnography and his own experience as a caregiver, he takes the reader to the heart of fathers’ experiences caregiving. This book offers an insightful and original analysis into how parents’ worlds of care are constituted through their practical and social engagements. Very memorable. Highly recommended.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Worlds of Care" by Aaron J Jackson is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on the field of caregiving. Jackson's writing is engaging and accessible, and his ideas challenge readers to rethink their assumptions about what it means to care for others. Overall, "Worlds of Care" is a must-read for anyone interested in the complex and often overlooked work of caregiving.

[Heather Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have applied to a master’s program in Anthropology that starts this Summer. I have spent the Winter reading Ethnographies. Worlds of Care is my favorite ethnography so far. The writing and a story telling is a lot more engaging than most. Also, I really like his philosophical theoretical approach.

[Lyla Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I usually stick to fiction but this was really enjoyable to read. Plus, as a sister to a little brother with special needs - it really touched me.

[Phoenix Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book.
Was amazingly written.

I really recommend this book.

[Adam Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intensively researched and beautifully written study about fathers caring for disabled children.

[Hana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really touching book about fatherhood. Full of surprises and emotional personal stories.
Great writing!