Childcare, Choice, and Class Practices

Childcare is a topic that is frequently in the media spotlight and continues to spark heated debate in the UK and around the world. This book presents an in-depth study of childcare policy and practice, examining middle class parents’ choice of childcare within the wider contexts of social class and class fractions, social reproduction, gendered responsibilities and conceptions of ‘good’ parenting.

Drawing on the results of a qualitative empirical study of two groups of middle class parents living in two London localities, this book:

• takes into account key theoretical frameworks in childcare policy, setting them in broader social, political and economic contexts
• considers the development of the UK government’s childcare strategy from its birth in 1998 to the present day
• highlights the critical debates surrounding middle class families and their choice of childcare
• explores parents’ experiences of childcare and their relationships with carers.

This important study comes to a number of thought-provoking conclusions and offers valuable insights into a complex subject. It is essential reading for all those working in or studying early years provision and policy as well as students of sociology, class, gender and work.

Carol Vincent is Reader of Education at the Institute of Education, University of London. Stephen Ball is the Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education at the Institute of Education, University of London.