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Edited by Julia Brannen and Peter Moss.
ISBN 0 335 20987 4
Open University Press
£17.99  

Care is a slippery concept whether it is used as a verb or noun. We have day care, family care, children in care, wrap-around care. We even have washing up liquid that cares.

This book, carefully edited by Brennen and Moss, is an exploration of equally elusive child care and is based on research from the 1990s to the present day.

It looks at what, if anything, the word means and draws some thoughtful policy implications from historical and sociological perspectives.

The book is divided into three parts. Part one takes an historic perspective, explaining different concepts of the care of children and how these have been translated into policies and practice. Moss's chapter is particularly helpful in its analysis of post-war trends.

The second part looks at care relationships and practices in formal settings. June Statham offers a helpful chapter on sponsored day care. The final section focuses on care and family life and the shifting patterns that affect both.

The editors conclude by looking at current trends in demographic and social patterns, the increasingly political concept of child care and implications for practice. There is plenty here that will engage students and practitioners alike.

Chris Hanvey is UK director of operations, Barnardo's.