The Crisis of Caregiving

<p> Inevitably, the human condition requires that societies provide care for those who, whether through the exigencies of biology or of markets, cannot fully care for themselves. The U.S. is no different. But the care we provide is often meager, or given on terms so harsh that it actually damages those in need. Mandell has brought together a number of essays which illuminate this dark underside of American social policy, and it is a must-read for all of us seeking a better and gentler society. --Frances Fox Piven, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Sociology at the Graduate Center, City University of New York<p> This book examines the current condition of the American welfare state from a unique perspective: the adequacy of its support of individual caregivers, most of whom have traditionally been women, and the adequacy of its institutionalized caregiving arrangements, such as foster care, adoption, homeless shelters, and even prisons. In effect, this book documents the moral and practical shortcomings of a society's excessive reliance on institutionalized arrangements designed to address the consequences of 'social problems.' These problems, however, are largely created by that society's failure to invest in humane and just approaches to promote the care, support, inclusion, and well-being of all individuals in the first place. This is powerfully written, highly readable, lucid, and down-to-earth yet scholarly and up to date and constructively critical. --Leroy H. Pelton, Professor, School of Social Work, University of Nevada, Las Vegas