The Care Factory

Reviews / Votes

'Mathew's writing works on a number of different levels. On the one hand, The Care Factory is readable yet informative. On the other its cross-disciplinary approach cannot help but challenge the reader, encouraging them to take part in the unfolding narrative. For me, its varied subject matter, underpinned by the notion of care, provides a critique of a world beset by neoliberal ideology. [...] What is important about this book is that Mathew takes the machination of care from the workplace and places it where it should be: in the creative, the cultural and the everyday.'Dr Mike DinesCulture, Pedagogy & Society, published online 09.02.2017'This original and important study encourages us to question a concept that is all too often taken for granted. The interviews and discussions in The Care Factory show us how the word "care" is the bearer of so many assumptions, prejudices and beliefs that it would be irresponsible not to reflect on it.'Darian LeaderAuthor of What is Madness?'The Care Factory is a timely, honest and, at times, deeply moving book about "care"-what it is and what it is not. It draws on a range of eclectic sources to explore the multi-layered and contentious meanings of care, reflecting upon the implications of caring for others as paid work. The perspectives, experiences and insights of different professionals who provide care in its various forms are explored. Highly recommended.'Gail KinmanCo-author of Developing Resilience for Social Work Practice'The Care Factory is a tour de force-readable, post-modern and knowing. The occasional inclusion of self-disclosure material is moving and emotionally robust; and the references to Mathew's fiction give the book a rounded meta-feel. It is terrific.'Paul MeloyAuthor of The Night Clock and psychiatric nurse'Mathew's writing style fosters an approach where the reader accompanies the narrative, and where he or she is subtly encouraged to work these issues out for themselves. Mathew is not telling you he knows the answers. Instead, emphasis is placed on the dynamism of theory and application. Reflection takes the place of polemics.'Dr Mike DinesBritish Journal of Educational Studies (review of Fragile Learning)