The Rise of Caring Power

Description:

"This original study discusses the role of women in developing and dispersing caring power, and, vice versa, the role of caring power in constituting 'women' as modern social subjects - processes which began around 1800. The concept of caring power is based on the historian/philosopher Foucault's concept of pastoral power, but takes into account the vital role played by gender. The agents of caring power were inspired by the ideal of serving the well-being of individual 'others' - seen as fellow-human beings - and the thereby the interest of society as a whole. The motivation for this care for the other was both humanitarian and religious." "The book argues that the rise of caring power was the context in which women began to feel responsible for 'those of their own sex', and to organize themselves in all female organizations, the start of the women's movement. In the process, they carved out new gender identities for themselves and the women under their care." "This profound historical change is illustrated by a study of the work of reformers Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845) and Josephine Butler (1828-1906), whose impact is traced in Britain and the Netherlands."--Jacket.

subjects: History,  Services for,  Social work with prostitutes,  Women prisoners,  Women social reformers,  Feminism,  World history: c 1750 to c 1900,  c 1800 to c 1900,  Literary Criticism,  Gender Studies,  History: World,  Women's Studies - History,  Butler, Josephine Elizabeth Grey,  Fry, Elizabeth Gurney,  History & Surveys - 19th Century,  Social Science / Gender Studies,  Women Authors,  1780-1845,  1828-1906,  19th century,  Butler, Josephine Elizabeth Gr,  Fry, Elizabeth Gurney,,  Great Britain,  Netherlands,  Helping behavior,  Caring,  Gender identity,  Civilization, modern, 19th century,  Prison reformers,  Prisons,  Prostitution,  Women

People: Elizabeth Gurney Fry (1780-1845),  Josephine Elizabeth Grey Butler (1828-1906)

Places: Great Britain,  Netherlands

Times: 19th century