A Reflection on Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change by Angela Garbes
When I first picked up Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change by Angela Garbes, I was drawn in by the promise of profound insights into the often-overlooked intersection of motherhood and social justice. The subtitle alone—"mothering as social change"—whispered promises of revolutionary ideas. Yet, as I settled into Garbes’s exploration of personal and societal themes, I found myself both enchanted and challenged.
Garbes’s book is at its strongest when she draws from personal experience. As a Filipinx daughter of immigrants, she skillfully weaves her own story—complete with childhood anecdotes and reflections on her own journey of mothering during the pandemic—into the broader narrative of care work. These memoir-like passages are poignant, striking a chord that resonates deeply with the joys and struggles of motherhood. For example, her heartfelt descriptions of navigating parenthood amid unprecedented times radiate warmth and truth, reminding us all of our shared humanity.
However, the structural approach of the book can sometimes feel choppy, with Garbes oscillating between intimate reflection and social commentary in ways that disrupt the flow. While her cultural critiques touch upon significant matters—like colonialism, race, and the historical context of care work—I found them somewhat familiar and general. For readers new to these topics, Garbes does provide a foundational understanding, but for those already versed, the insights might feel insufficiently deep.
One point of contention for me was how Garbes tends to universalize her personal experience as a mother, inadvertently sidelining vital perspectives, particularly around queerness and disability. In her discussion of pleasure and sex, her mention of queerness felt limited to the animal kingdom—a missed opportunity to acknowledge the rich tapestry of queer experiences that offer valuable insights into sex and parenting. The lack of visibility for non-traditional families was surprising—especially given the evolving definitions of family today. Similarly, Garbes’s reflection on disability felt self-referential, coming from a place of hindsight rather than engagement. It left me longing for a more inclusive dialogue that acknowledges the realities of disabled parents and children within maternal narratives.
Despite these critiques, Garbes’s writing is beautiful and lyrical, especially when she captures the nuances of love as an action verb. Her observation that "love is an action verb" resonates profoundly, illuminating the labor that goes into mothering—both visible and invisible. Yet, I wished for a discussion that embraced the realities of loving disabled bodies and minds, an acknowledgment that could expand her powerful declaration of what mothering entails.
In conclusion, Essential Labor offers a compelling mix of personal narrative and socio-political critique. While it has some significant gaps—particularly regarding queerness and disability—there’s a wealth of beauty in Garbes’s reflections on her own experience. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the intersections of motherhood, labor, and social justice, especially those seeking an introductory exploration of these themes. As for me, I walked away with a blend of admiration for Garbes’s courage in sharing her story and a yearning for a broader, more inclusive dialogue on what it means to mother, especially in a world as diverse as our own.
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