Care is often invisible and undervalued, whether performed for free within the family or friend circles, or as waged work. The COVID-19 pandemic has made care more visible and sparked conversations about care. Yet, we (at least in Ontario) have not responded to multiple care crises by implementing widespread structural change needed to put care at the center of political, societal, and economic systems. Choosing texts I pitched an Ethics of Care seminar to my department in late 2019, and it … [Read more...]
Space in the time of coronavirus
In the previous edition of the #AtHomeWithArendt series, Katy discussed the value of temporal and spatial transitions in our workdays. And that got me thinking: what does space even mean now? All over the world, physical distancing is not just encouraged but actually demanded. So, what does it mean to be present when physical proximity is sometimes a matter of life and death? Katy and I have been thinking and writing about what it means to listen solidaristically for more than a year, but the … [Read more...]
Walking to work
This past Monday I heard a radio segment about how people miss having a commute to work. More specifically, they miss the time to transition between the private and the public. According to the segment, some employers are encouraging that (or maybe adding?) "commuting" be designated in workplace calendars as a nudge to make time for this transition. Some employers are also partnering with mindfulness apps, suggesting that such practices might serve as a mechanism during “commute time” … [Read more...]
Solidarity and equity in pandemic times: A new paper and a panel discussion
It's vacation season here in Southwestern Ontario. even though COVID-19 has restricted travel, I know several people taking the time to visit cottages or go camping. Perhaps you need something to read or watch on your vacation (or staycation)? Then check out these links! During the pandemic, many of our "At Home with Arendt" posts have focused on solidarity. Find some of my recent work in the links below (and of course, previous blog posts here). New article: Virus Interruptus The first is … [Read more...]
Pandemic time is a strange thing
With the warm weather and the gradual opening of the economy, people are beginning to emerge from their pandemic cocoons. For me, this has meant getting back to some of my hobbies and commitments, but also running more errands and getting out in general. Well, in theory… As excited as I was to visit some of the stores I have been thinking about since the pandemic closures, I found myself clinging onto parts of my pandemic schedule. The paradox of productivity Back in March, I thought I had … [Read more...]