Decolonize Self-Care

The term "self-care" has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, but it has exclusionary and appropriative capitalist, racist undertones. To decolonize self-care, we must commit to new models of care and well-being that allow for health, pleasure, and community for everyone.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: OR Books

The term "self-care" has become a ubiquitous buzzword in recent years, resonating with individuals across various sectors of society. For radical twentieth-century feminists, it served as a rallying cry for bodily autonomy and political power. However, for influencers and lifestyle brands, it has evolved into a pursuit of fancy nutrition and body products at a premium. Today, self-care has permeated nearly every aspect of food, leisure, and pop culture, emerging as a multi-billion-dollar industry.

To quote a million memes, "self-care" has become a catchphrase that permeates our society. However, in Decolonize Self-Care, Alyson K. Spurgas and Zoë C. Meleo-Erwin delve into the deeper sociological implications of this term and offer a scathing critique of its capitalist, racist undertones. They argue that to truly decolonize self-care, we must confront the exclusionary and appropriative nature of most of the wellness industry. This education is crucial, but it is only the first step in the process.

The authors propose that we must move towards new models of care and well-being that prioritize health, pleasure, and community for everyone. They challenge the notion that self-care is solely a personal responsibility and advocate for a shift towards collective care and well-being. They highlight the historical and systemic factors that have contributed to the marginalization of certain groups and the perpetuation of health disparities, and argue that self-care must be inclusive and accessible to all.

One of the key arguments made by the authors is that the wellness industry often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces colonialism. They point out that the marketing and promotion of self-care products often rely on Western ideals of beauty, health, and wellness, which can be exclusionary and harmful to individuals from diverse backgrounds. For example, the use of terms like "natural" or "clean" can be problematic, as they can perpetuate harmful biases and reinforce the idea that certain products are only suitable for certain skin types or ethnicities.

To decolonize self-care, the authors suggest that we must challenge these stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and diverse approach to wellness. They advocate for the use of language that is respectful and inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ability. They also suggest that we should prioritize products and services that are created by and for marginalized communities, as they are often better equipped to address their specific needs and concerns.

In addition to promoting a more inclusive and diverse approach to self-care, the authors also argue that we must address the economic and social barriers that prevent individuals from accessing quality care and well-being. They highlight the fact that many individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, mental health services, and other forms of support. They argue that self-care must be integrated into broader social and economic policies to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

One of the key recommendations made by the authors is the creation of community-based self-care initiatives. They suggest that communities should come together to create spaces where individuals can come together to share resources, support each other, and engage in self-care practices. These spaces can include community gardens
gardens, community kitchens
health clinics, and other community-based organizations that provide resources and support for individuals who are struggling with mental health, chronic illness, or other health-related issues.

Another recommendation made by the authors is the promotion of self-care as a political and social movement. They argue that self-care is not just a personal responsibility, but a collective one that requires the involvement of governments, corporations, and individuals. They suggest that governments should invest in public health initiatives that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, including those from marginalized communities. Corporations should also prioritize the well-being of their employees and customers, and individuals should take responsibility for their own well-being and the well-being of their communities.

In conclusion, Decolonize Self-Care is a thought-provoking and important book that offers a comprehensive sociological analysis and critique of the catchphrase capitalist, racist undertones. By delving into the deeper sociological implications of self-care, the authors challenge the notion that it is solely a personal responsibility and advocate for a shift towards collective care and well-being. They propose that to decolonize self-care, we must confront the exclusionary and appropriative nature of most of the wellness industry, promote a more inclusive and diverse approach to wellness, address the economic and social barriers that prevent individuals from accessing quality care and well-being, and promote self-care as a political and social movement. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of self-care and its impact on our society.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 126 x 178 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682193358