Constellations of Family Care as an Analytical Tool for Social Care Studies

Identifier:  imarina:9378024

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9378024

Authors:  Chirinos C; Soronellas M; Comas-D’argemir D

Abstract:
Context: The challenges of the care crisis govern the social organisation and configuration of families. Increased longevity, the declining birth rate, the persistence of gender and kinship as cultural categories that distribute care responsibilities inherent to the different stages of life, or the existence of reconciliation policies determine the predisposition or availability of families regarding the provision of care. Objective: This article proposes the notion of ‘constellations of family care’ as a valuable qualitative analysis tool. It draws on case studies of long-term care in Spain to analyse the relational complexity and dynamics of the agents, spaces, routines and materialities involved in care. Methods: The research took a qualitative approach. Specifically, we apply the notion of ‘constellations of family care’ as an analytical tool that allows us to observe any social care situation, considering the issues indicated from a processual perspective that reconstructs the itineraries of care and its resignifications. Limitations: This analytical approach focused on care for one group of older people. Although it can be transferred to other care across the life course, it is not intended to represent all care realities accurately. Findings: Using ‘constellations of family care’ as a tool for analysis makes it possible to explore the macro-social effects of care from a situated perspective, i.e., to analyse the various social actors involved, their relationships and the exogenous forces that influence how the family provides care. Implications: ‘Constellations of family care’ bring understanding to the complexity of caregiving situations and, consequently, are a valuable methodology for adjusting the design of public care policies to the needs of carers and cared-for persons.