ABSTRACT
The structure of Maternal Affordances and Maternal care as 'environmental provision' for those who are seriously ill and suffering will be elaborated in the chapter. The meanings of the Maternal that the author has accessed in the main and follow-up studies are multiple, and include the constituents of empathy, receptivity, Maternal holding and cradling, relational intimacy and generosity, unconditional loving care, and well-being and generativity in a welcoming home. The author has adopted the term 'Maternal Affordances' to more fully describe the Maternal Ground and, in keeping with the seminal work of James Gibson, the possibilities that the Maternal Ground makes available to the other. Phenomenology's strength lies in the sharp focus it brings to bear in study of the social world as a region or distinctive area of being, sometimes called a regional ontology. This kind of study focus calls for a different methodology from those of the natural sciences.
