‘Intensive mothering’ in the early years: the cultivation and consolidation of (physical) capital

Abstract

Growing pressure on parents to equip their children with the skills required for future success, coupled with an increased focus on providing quality learning experiences in the early years, has contributed to an upsurge in the enrolment of young children in formal (often privatised) activities. Moreover, in response to growing societal concerns over the perceived risks of obesity and sedentary lifestyles, parents are often acutely aware of the importance of providing plentiful physical activity opportunities for their children within this enrichment context. In this paper, the tendency for parents to provide copious developmental opportunities is referred to as ‘intensive mothering’ and is explored through the theoretical lens of Bourdieu, specifically his concepts of habitus and capital. This paper reports on a small-scale study undertaken within the UK, which sought to explore the impact of social class on access to early years' provision as well as parental attitudes towards physical activity and the provision of preschool physical development opportunities. Data were generated through a questionnaire (disseminated via early years settings) as well as three in-depth interviews with ‘middle-class’ parents and were analysed to draw out key themes relating to the cultivation and consolidation of (physical) capital. The data indicate that many parents perceive a ‘responsibility’ to aid their children's physical development and demonstrate a willingness to facilitate the acquisition of physical capital via the provision of play equipment, privatised classes and additional (informal) physical activity opportunities. Moreover, they suggest that ‘middle-class’ parents, in particular, articulate the need to invest heavily in enrichment activities, influenced by their own experiences, tastes and values. It is argued that ‘intensive mothering’ is illustrative of the reproduction of a class-based habitus and can be perceived as an attempt to maintain or improve social position through the cultivation, consolidation and, ultimately, conversion, of appropriate capital.

Keywords:

• Intensive mothering
• Early years
• Physical development
• Capital and habitus

Notes

1. Both programmes provide training and recourse packs to EYL providers and practitioners to encourage and help them deliver physically active play to children in the setting.

2. There is an increasing influence from government for personal agency and decision-making. Children participation in ‘extra-curricular’ activities resonates with a neoliberal economic and political environment which prioritises individualism and fosters children subjugation through self-governance (Raby, 2014).

3. The limited research funding for this small study, in addition to the specific scope of the larger study, meant that the questionnaire looked at nursery settings only; as such, little is known (or can be said) about parents' use of additional EYL settings/contexts (e.g. childminders), beyond the information offered voluntarily in the interview process. Acknowledging that this aspect of provision is beyond the scope of this particular study, however, we recognise that research into this area offers a potentially valuable avenue for future research.

4. Previous research (Talbot, 2013) suggests that the use of such playgroups is more commonly inhabited by children under three and furthermore that these too often express divisions of social class, gender, ethnicity and geographical location/familiarity.