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ABSTRACT
This article critically considers the concept of vulnerability and its interaction with care practice, particularly care of the self. Underpinned by a feminist ethics of care perspective the relational aspects of vulnerability that can facilitate and realise ambivalent and unknown potential outcomes for individuals are emphasised. Original ethnographic research considering the offer and receipt of free meals within one community café in the city of Newcastle in northeast England explores how ‘vulnerability’ is experienced and negotiated by individuals visiting the café. The article finds that in recognising and being open to their own vulnerability and agency enabled people's management of care relations and interactions within the café. The article highlights the need to critically reflect on the self-careful actions inherent in an individual's response to their own particular vulnerability, and to challenge the constructs of passivity and dependency associated with care and vulnerability and the acceptance of free food in a time of austerity and individualised responsibility.
Acknowledgements
The author wishes to thank the helpful comments offered on an earlier version of this paper at the Ethics and Social Welfare conference 2016 and by the journal referees.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes on contributor
Dr. Jane Midgley is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Newcastle University. Jane is an interdisciplinary researcher. Jane's work explores food insecurity and food provisioning practices for the more vulnerable in society, surplus food, food system infrastructures and wider policy interactions.