Part of panel: Negotiating encounters: NYC public spaces Faculty supervisor: Dr. LinDa Saphan Presenter 2: Cathleen Rozario
As women choose to engage in careers or feel financial pressure to work outside the home, childcare becomes an essential aspect of urban living. There are undoubtedly thousands of nannies in New York City, holding together families with working parents and involved in every aspect of family life. And yet they are most often barely noticed, invisible to tourists and residents alike. This study sheds light on the importance of the work that nannies do, their dedication, and the relationship between mothers and nannies to offer a new perspective on urban childcare. Our focus is on the level of trust that mothers must have for their nanny and the complications of establishing trust in a large city. How does a mother come to trust enough to hand over her child to the care of a stranger? How do mothers choose a trustworthy nanny who will fit into their home? How do mothers and nannies trustworthy nanny who will fit into their home? How do mothers and nannies negotiate this transfer of authority? The principle student researchers interviewed 16 mothers and nannies, supplemented by 50 interviews conducted by our classmates. The interviews focused on trust between mothers and nannies and the power struggle between the two protagonists to reveal the complexities of this crucial urban relationship.
About the presenterCathleen Rozario
My name is Cathleen Rozario. I am a student attending the College of Mount Saint Vincent, majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Social Work. My research depicts the issues and areas on conflict within the mommy-nanny relationship. The study focuses on the inner workings of New York City mommies and nannies where the business is personal.