Home attending routines and rituals

Abstract

This article analyzes the routines and rituals of home attending in order to contribute to the understanding of certain relational dynamics of home organization responsibilities in families where an individual takes care of two generations simultaneously. Through the analyses of two stories where women narrate their experiences as home attendants, and using the information collected in eight additional interviews, this study highlights the importance of the care provided by these women to the members of their families in harsh economic conditions, the gender inequalities and the lack of social recognition for the value of the work oriented to the social reproduction of the household. On the other hand, according to the interviews, routines are oriented towards health care, company and food preparation; the most important rituals associated with home attending are those related to special day celebrations.