Editors Ana Marta González, a professor of Moral Philosophy and coordinator of the Institute for Culture and Society at the University of Navarra, and Craig Iffland, a PhD student in Moral Theology at the University of Notre Dame present a compilation of academic essays from 11 worldwide contributing authors and scholars, including an introduction imparted by the editors themselves on the fundamentals of care as it pertains to both the professional and informal spheres of caregiving.
Thought provoking and highly articulate, this first edition emerged from a symposium of scholars from an array of academic fields and backgrounds each who have something unique to offer on the concept of care (caring for, caring about, and the act of receiving care) and the inherent challenges that face those who are both offering and in need of care in a constantly evolving, globalized marketplace. In light of this, one particular challenge outlined by the editors and echoed throughout the book is the issue surrounding the professionalization of care including the potential adverse consequences of lacking proper care. Thus, the primary objective of this book is to not only discuss care from a theoretical and practical perspective but also to raise awareness of the issues involved in the provision of and act of receiving care, as examined by the book’s authors throughout a number of care and healthcare settings.
Care Professions and Globalization: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives commences with a formal introduction to the concept of care and is methodically divided into two sections (theoretical and practical perspectives) and comprises eleven chapters in total. The first five chapters are devoted to the theoretical aspects of care, including what care entails from a philosophical, theological, sociological, psychological, and moral standpoint while the remaining six chapters’ addresses care in practice, such as care that is both fostered and offered in the context of the family, through paraprofessionals and via the nursing profession in intensive care units and during end of life care. One theme of particular importance is whether or not the professionalization of care is both an ethical and viable option to satisfy an increased demand for care due to the increased participation of women (traditional caregivers) in the work force and an aging population living with more chronic illnesses. The main concern is whether or not the essence of care or caring will be lost in the process and/ or whether or not formal education can create it.
As the reader progresses through the chapters, it becomes abundantly clear that one of the most profound strengths of this publication is the fact that is it is not limited to one overarching perspective or point of view. On the contrary, the reader will undoubtedly come to respect and appreciate the all-encompassing nature or layout of this book and the invaluable contribution made by each author in their respective fields to promote and facilitate interprofessional care for the benefit of others.
This book provides a very comprehensive, enlightening, and informative account of the issues involved in the professional and informal spheres of caregiving. While I think it would be an interesting read for scholars in a variety of field and disciplines, I think it would be especially valuable to those in the professional spheres of direct caregiving, such as nursing and rehabilitation practitioners.
Reviewed by
Tanya M. Jansen
Department of Applied Psychology
Concordia University of Edmonton, Canada
Care Professions and Globalization: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives (1st Edition)
Edited by Ana Marta González & Craig Iffland. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014
271 pages, $100.00
ISBN: 978-1-137-38116-3
