Thinking about Care.

Abstract

The present study investigates the ideas of care work expressed by infant school teachers and the subsequent reflections generated by these ideas. These thoughts as expressed by the teachers in the focus groups and in the interviews, are orientated in multiple directions and characterised by various intensities and explanations. The themes emerging from their remarks are focused –first and foremost – on the children, then on the colleagues, on the parents and on themselves. Moreover also the context itself – perceived as a complex interaction between formal/informal spaces, times, interpersonal relationships and personal perceptions (expectations, hopes and worries) – is taken into account. The study finds out that, when the outcome of their (infant school teachers) work is satisfactory and recognised, it becomes a reason of motivation, setting off positive reciprocal processes.