Chapter 8 Caretaking Summary and Analysis

Mary begins Chapter 8 by giving a few examples of how mothers are prone to drop everything, even if they have important high-paying jobs, if their child or significant other is in need. Johnnetta states it perfectly when she says, "Somebody's got to be the mommy."

However, caring is a very broad term, and it can take place just about anywhere. Mary explores different types of caretaking from individuals to institutions like homeless shelters and hospitals.

The role of caretaker historically seems to land on the shoulders of women, but Mary suggests that the reader take a closer look at history. Men care for each other in foxholes; children care for pets. There are numerous ways in which caretaking takes place. Now that the traditional roles in society are blurred, there are even more ways for men, women, and children...