Emotional and material architectures of care: exploring the norms of feelings of women in great dependency situation in dirty work in car

Abstract

The social organization of care is currently undergoing a profound restructuring. The changes affect both the assumptions about the meaning of care and the emotional rules and social practices that regulate how to care and be cared for, especially in relation to work considered culturally dirty. This research seeks to deepen in the experiences and material and emotional strategies of women with disabilities in a situation of great dependence in Andalusia and the Community of Madrid with great support needs. The experiences of these women related to the organization and provision of their care are analysed following a qualitative approach through Critical Discourse Analysis, paying special attention to the management of the aspects of care work that generate the greatest displeasure ("dirty work") and its social and emotional consequences. This paper shows the importance of including the norms of feeling and emotional strategies that are activated in the care of dirty work, in the analysis of the deep vulnerability faced by in the daily management of their needs, which derives from the insecurity of the institutional supports received.