The Ontological Choreography of (Good) Parenthood

Abstract

The aim of this study is to unpack the notion of family togetherness as constitutive of good parenthood during visits to child cultural establishments like amusement parks, theme parks and children’s museums. The analyses challenge earlier assumptions of intensive family togetherness – such as closeness, spending time together and cohesion – by showing how togetherness is being done through the interdependence of proximity and distance. The study illustrates how good parenthood is made up of heterogeneous material and non-material entities such as patience, waiting, trust, wallets, mobile phones, age and the like; what is here called “the ontological choreography of (good) parenthood”. The article draws on theories of doing family, making parents and family practice.