Plural of crèche; a nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus, or a daycare facility for young children.
From French crèche meaning 'manger' or 'crib,' from Old French, likely related to Germanic roots meaning 'rack' or 'manger.' The word traveled through French to English in the 18th century, initially describing the nativity displays in churches.
Crèche scenes became wildly popular in medieval Europe as a way to teach the Christmas story to people who couldn't read—they were basically the multimedia presentations of their time! The same word became the French term for daycare because both involve caring for infants and young children.
Plural of creche; same gendered labor dynamics apply. Care work infrastructure historically undervalued because associated with women's unpaid domestic roles.
Same as 'creche'—language is fine; critical to recognize undervaluation of childcare labor in policy discussions.
Systems of creches represent collectively organized care; advocates for universal childcare (many women) challenged the privatization of care work.
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