The reading resource I have chosen is I'M HERE, BUT I'M THERE: The meanings of Latina transnational motherhood. This article is about Latina immigrant women who work as nannies and housekeepers in Los Angeles. This article mentions how motherhood has shifted in the late 20th and early 21st century because of the global capitalistic world we are currently living in. There are many factors that cause women to immigrate and migrate to the United States or other parts of the world including civil war, national economic crisis and job opportunities. These women who move to different countries around the world are often seeking job opportunities such as nannying. These women work 6 days a week from dawn to night taking care of sick children and cleaning. There pay is often very low earning around $5.90 an hour. They are separated from their own biological children and the only way to stay in contact is through letters or a few phone calls. These mothers are responsible for sending money back home to their families and children. These mothers sometimes do not return back to their homes and biological children for 10 years.
This article is an integral component of understanding feminization of migration, gender, emotional and caring labor. This is an important topic to study because transnational mothers and immigration and caring labor is often times causes a lot of alienation and anxiety in these mothers. Nannies are brought from non-western countries to western countries for love and care. Hiring a nanny from non-western countries for love and care has become a new global commodification. Mothering can be understood as a gendered issue, but it can also be seen as racialized and differentiated by class. Often times these women are being exploited and do not have high wages and proper working conditions. This topic can be linked back to capitalism, globalization and neoliberalism has evolved through colonization that affects everyone. This is a result of post-industrial cultures which has been created through colonialism and capitalism as western families do not always have the time to take care of their own children. The current system we live in does not put emphasis on public goods, health care, housing employment and education for families with children. It is more affordable to hire a nanny from abroad then to enroll your child in a day care program.
References
HONDAGNEU-SOTELO, P., & AVILA, E. (1997). I'M HERE, BUT I'M THERE: The
meanings of latina transnational motherhood. Gender & Society, 11(5), 548-571.
Keywords: #migration #laborandcare #childlove
Pseudonym: VicK
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