Burns, D., Hyde, P. and Killett, A. (2013) Wicked problems or wicked people? Reconceptualising institutional abuse. Sociology of Health and Illness, 35 (4). 514 - 528. ISSN 0141-9889
Abstract
Institutional abuse is a global issue, sometimes ascribed to the behaviour of a few wicked people. It persists despite regulatory measures, interventions from enforcement and protection agencies, organisational policies and procedures. Therefore, the accurate recognition and early detection of abuse and taking corresponding steps to deal with perpetrators are critical elements in protecting vulnerable people who live in institutions. However, research is less clear about why and how abuse (re)occurs. Using the tame and wicked problem analysis of Rittell and Webber (1973) as a lens, we examine the ways institutional abuse is formulated in care settings. Drawing on case study data from eight care homes for older people, we show how solutions seeking to reduce institutional abuse and improve care quality can cause additional problems. The article reconceptualises institutional abuse through the lens of wicked problem analysis to illustrate the multifaceted and recurring, wicked problem characteristics of residential care provision.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2012 The Authors. Sociology of Health & Illness © 2012 Foundation for the Sociology of Health & Illness/Blackwell Publishing Ltd. © Year The Author(s). Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Management School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 30 Jan 2015 10:50 |
Last Modified: | 30 Jan 2015 10:50 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9566.2012.01511.x |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Blackwell Publishing Ltd |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/j.1467-9566.2012.01511.x |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:83184 |