Applying Institutional Ethnography to Childcare

Lori L. McNeil

doi:10.18778/1733-8077.4.1.06

Authors

Lori L. McNeil Long Island University, CW Post Campus, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.4.1.06

Keywords:

Institutional Ethnography, Childcare, Work and Family, Social Policy

Abstract

This research applies institutional ethnography to childcare by employing participant observation, interviews and text examination at two childcare research sites. The initial focus of this work describes the daily happenings in childcare utilizing a grounded theory approach and makes connections between what happens in childcare and the structures and institutions that dictate those experiences. The construction of work was found to be a major contributor to childcare experiences. I conclude with an examination of U.S. childcare policy and suggestions for improving these policies and offerings.

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Author Biography

Lori L. McNeil, Long Island University, CW Post Campus, USA

Lori McNeil is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus. The majority of McNeil’s research focuses on issues typically related to women, children and other marginalized groups. Her recent work has been featured in the Journal of Applied Sociology, Michigan Sociological Review and The Journal of Children & Poverty.

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