The rise of caring power

"This original study discusses the role of women in developing and dispersing caring power, and, vice versa, the role of caring power in constituting 'women' as modern social subjects - processes which began around 1800. The concept of caring power is based on the historian/philosopher Foucault's concept of pastoral power, but takes into account the vital role played by gender. The agents of caring power were inspired by the ideal of serving the well-being of individual 'others' - seen as fellow-human beings - and the thereby the interest of society as a whole. The motivation for this care for the other was both humanitarian and religious." "The book argues that the rise of caring power was the context in which women began to feel responsible for 'those of their own sex', and to organize themselves in all female organizations, the start of the women's movement. In the process, they carved out new gender identities for themselves and the women under their care." "This profound historical change is illustrated by a study of the work of reformers Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845) and Josephine Butler (1828-1906), whose impact is traced in Britain and the Netherlands."--Jacket.