Parenting is not easy in a racialized society: Decolonizing childcare practice

Abstract

This study examines the harm and the disempowerment experienced by four Black Global Majority (BGM) mothers using Critical Race Feminism (CRF) theory lens. It considers the impact of entrenched Westernized mindsets and approaches related to 'good enough' parenting on BGM mothers in the UK by social workers. Conley outlines four elements of 'good enough' parenting: meeting children's health and developmental needs, prioritizing children's needs, providing routine and consistent care, and acknowledging problems while engaging with support services. Although the case studies illustrated no failure to meet these requirements, the researchers acknowledge the need for Children Services intervention but question the efficacy of the service they received and question the role of systemic racism in the interactions. The study noted systemic neglect and emotional abuse, with social workers engaging in defensive practices, leading to excessive disproportionality in experiences across ethnic groups and punitive interventions to address concerns. It highlights the challenges faced by BGM parents and emphasizes the need to decolonize childcare practices and the necessity of cultural humility. The papers findings and discussion should be utilized to enhance social work practice, better support BGM parents, and improve child outcomes.