In a thought-provoking discussion, Toi Smith, a mother of four and Growth and Impact Strategist, delves into the effects of capitalism on parenting. She emphasizes the isolation families face and advocates for unlearning traditional views to empower communal connections. Toi shares insights on redefining motherhood, particularly for single Black mothers, and explores innovative parenting strategies like 'wellness days' to promote autonomy. This engaging conversation blends personal stories with political implications, fostering resilience and reflection.
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insights INSIGHT
Societal Spells
Societal spells, like capitalism, harm and exploit us.
These spells convince us this is normal and unchangeable, promoting isolation and hindering collective action.
insights INSIGHT
Radicalized Motherhood
Toi Smith's experience as a Black single mother of four sons has radicalized her.
She uses her social location to deconstruct motherhood and challenge stereotypes surrounding Black single mothers.
insights INSIGHT
Co-op vs. Mad Moms
"Co-op moms" have support from co-parents or community, resulting in less stress.
"Mad moms" (mom and dad) carry the full parenting load alone, leading to a more challenging experience.
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An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People
Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Jean Mendoza
Debbie Reese
This book offers a comprehensive history of the United States from the viewpoint of Indigenous peoples, spanning over 400 years. It challenges traditional narratives by highlighting the struggles, resilience, and resistance of Native American communities against colonialism and imperialism. Adapted from Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz's original work, it includes discussion topics and archival images to engage young readers.
Revolutionary mothering
Love on the Front Lines
Alexis Pauline Gumbs
China Martens
Mai'a Williams
Feminism for The 99%
A Manifesto
Tithi Bhattacharya
Cinzia Arruzza
Nancy Fraser
Cannibal Capitalism
How our System is Devouring Democracy, Care, and the Planet – and What We Can Do About It
Nancy Fraser
The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History
The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History
Marcus Kwame Anderson
David Walker
A People's Guide to Capitalism
An Introduction to Marxist Economics
Hadas Thier
Black Scare / Red Scare
Black Scare / Red Scare
Theorizing Capitalist Racism in the United States
Charisse Burden-Stelly
Social Reproduction Theory
Tithi Bhattacharya
This book explores social reproduction theory, examining the connections between worker and society, particularly the family and household, in the reproduction of capitalist social relations.
Ejaculate Responsibly
Ejaculate Responsibly
Gabrielle Stanley Blair
Winners Take All
The Elite Charade of Changing the World
Anand Giridharadas
In 'Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World,' Anand Giridharadas argues that members of the global elite use their wealth and influence to address social issues in ways that do not fundamentally challenge the systems that perpetuate those issues. The book explores the dynamics between philanthropy, capitalism, and social change, highlighting how market-driven solutions often address symptoms rather than root causes. Giridharadas critiques the limitations of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility, suggesting that true social change requires robust, egalitarian institutions and democratic engagement rather than reliance on the benevolence of the wealthy.
Capitalism has placed us under many spells that influence and limit what we believe to be normal and natural. Parenting is one intimate site where capitalism’s spell is particularly impactful. Often leaving parents and children to feel especially isolated, alone, and precarious—perfect for keeping working people separated and oppressed and for grooming children into docile workers under capitalism.
To kick off our new series on Post Capitalist Parenting, we’ve invited on Toi Smith, mother of four and a Growth and Impact Strategist. Toi’s work centers on doing life, business, and motherhood differently and collaborating with people who are countercultural, liberatory, and revolutionary. In this conversation, we start to reveal and unlearn what Capitalism has told us about what parenting should look like and what it is for. We deconstruct motherhood under capitalism and explore post capitalist parenting strategies, tools, and resources. And we look at how viewing parenting as a political act can help to empower, connect, and liberate both families and communities.
This episode was produced in collaboration with EcoGather, a collapse-responsive co-learning network that hosts free online Weekly EcoGatherings that foster conversation and build community around heterodox economics, collective action, and belonging in an enlivened world. In this collaboration, EcoGather will be hosting gatherings to bring some Upstream episodes to life—this is one of those episodes. We hope you can join the gathering on March 8, 2025 at 12pm - 1:30pm EST to discuss the topics covered in this episode. Find out more here.
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