Care and Equality:
Inventing a New Family Politics
By Mona Harrington
Alfred A. Knopf, $24
ISBN 037540015X

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Gender equity has been promised for quite a long time, but as yet remains just that -- a promise. Why is it so elusive? Mona Harrington examines this question extensively as she builds her case for a new family politics. Until society can look beyond assigning blame and rendering punishment, and get serious about who provides care for children, the elderly, the disabled, and communities, the promised legal equality will continue to be nothing more than empty rhetoric -- with neither true definition nor workable solutions to real problems.

Harrington traces society's concept of a leader as far as the early Greek city-states. A warrior/hero was required to lead society because any person in charge had to be able to protect the people from enemies. This archaic concept continues to be prevalent today in political arenas, the workplace, and society as a whole. Care providers are overwhelmingly female, who are either unpaid in the private area or poorly paid public caretakers. Serious attitudinal changes must occur if care is to become a political, moral, and public policy issue.

The author provides a step-by-step guide for a political agenda that would encompass a strong family policy as well as recognize and value equality for women. According to Harrington, society today has begun to appreciate compassion, forgiveness, apology, understanding, and nurturing -- long associated with females -- that are completely absent in warrior/hero leadership. If a true family politics is to develop, it will, of necessity, come from leadership familiar with empathy and open conversations -- leadership who can engage in active listening. With such new civic energy, real democracy is a possibility.

Care and Equality is carefully researched and well documented. Notes are included in the index. This is not just a book for women. Its compelling message presents clear-cut challenges for society and the nation.

Dr. Cynthia Drennan is a retired university administrator and mother of five children.