Love Labour as a Distinct and Non-Commodifiable Form of Care Labour

Abstract

Publication informationSociological Review, 55 (3) relations (solidarity work). A central theme of the paper is that primary care relations are not sustainable over time without love labour; that the realization of love, as opposed to the declaration of love, requires work. Drawing on a wide range of theoretical and empirical sources, including a study of caring undertaken by the author, the paper argues that there is mutuality, commitment, trust and responsibility at the heart of love labouring that makes it distinct from general care work and solidarity work. It sets out reasons why it is not possible to commodify the feelings, intentions and commitments of love labourers to supply them on a paid basis.

Do mothers want professional carers to love their babies?

“…Nevertheless, their concept of love remained emotional and even nebulous something which Gregson and Lowe (1994) argue are the 'contradictions and tensions' involved in 'paying for love ' (p. 191); a notion which Lynch (2007) claims is non-commodifiable.…”

“…There is a need for discussion between parents, carers and policy-makers about the need for babies' and young children's learning to include the need for love: practitioners who know, understand and are secure in their reciprocal relationships with young children for whom they are responsible, do so with the rights of the child wholly embedded at the centre of every aspect of their practice. Lynch (2007) maintains that 'love labouring' (p. 559) is heavy work that is not just about physical labour but also:…”

“…Lucy was unable to really distinguish what she saw as the difference between love and care although she thought care was more important. Lynch (2007) claims that love labour is non-commodifiable and Hult (1979) argues that 'pedagogical caring', is not a practical approach for teachers to develop on the grounds of professionalism and time constraints. This seemed to be a quality that Lucy valued in those who looked after her daughter.…”

The care‐less manager: gender, care and new managerialism in higher education

“…The growth of neo-liberal policies has exacerbated the impact of the care ceiling, especially at senior managerial level where the ideal worker is defined as being capable of working without time limits and without primary care responsibilities (Lynch 2007). The impact of new managerialism is most evident in the higher education sector 6 where the new capitalist academy (Slaughter and Leslie 2001) imposes expectations of performativity that only a care-less worker can fully satisfy (Moreau, et al 2007).…”

Cuidados, género y transformación de identidades

“…No existe una definición clara sobre el trabajo emocional, algunos autores lo han definido como la acción de expresar la emoción apropiada (Ashforth y Humphrey, 1993) o el esfuerzo, la planificación y control necesarios para expresar las emociones deseables durante las transacciones interpersonales (Morris y Feldman, 1996). Las actividades integradas en el llamado "amor labour" se empiezan a incluir como trabajo a pesar de las resistencias de los economistas formales (Lynch, 2007). Incluso se ha intentado establecer, supervisar y medir su rendimiento (Taylor, 1998), pero es en el ámbito de los cuidados donde se ejemplifica de forma más clara el "amor labour".…”