'Male magnets', 'Firecrackers', and 'Fussy Englishmen': An Ethnographic Investigation of the Influence of Gender Norms on Well-being in an English Care Home
Tauzer, Jayme (2024) 'Male magnets', 'Firecrackers', and 'Fussy Englishmen': An Ethnographic Investigation of the Influence of Gender Norms on Well-being in an English Care Home. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.
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Jayme Tauzer PhD Thesis published_Final version_Submitted Apr 2024_Final Award Jun 2024.pdf - Accepted Version Download (9MB) |
Abstract
In the following study, I examine the experiences and dynamics of gender norms in an old age care home setting in England. The care home aims to provide comprehensive care to older adults, encompassing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. However, existing literature on old age care often overlooks the social and gendered dimensions of care, focusing primarily on the medical aspects of ageing. This research seeks to address this gap by delving into the intersection of gender constructs and the experiences of well-being and dignity among care home residents.
Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as Raewynn Connell's theory of gender and power, Julia Kristeva's theory of abjection, Erving Goffman’s front-and-back stage, and Sara Ahmed's ‘affective economies’, I take a constructivist understanding of gender and age to shed light on the care home context's complex relationships and social dynamics. Ethnographic research conducted during the summer and autumn of 2021 provides a rich understanding of the daily life experiences and voices of old-age residents as well as care workers, uncovering the intricate ways in which gender and age intertwine to shape interactions and the expression of gender identities within the care home environment. This dissertation predominantly uses data in the form of field notes derived from participant observation with both care home residents and care workers, as well as some interviews with care home residents.
The main findings from this research highlight the impact of gender norms on the experiences of both residents and care workers, demonstrating that the care home environment can reproduce and intensify norms that limit and facilitate social interaction and this has a direct impact on social life and belonging in the care home. By exploring the intersection of age and gender, this study challenges reductionist attitudes towards older adults and offers valuable insights into future research on care and old age. I also highlight the ethical considerations involved in caring for older adults in residential settings. Through the study's findings, we gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences of care home residents and the implications of providing compassionate and inclusive care.
By bringing to light the interplay of age and gender constructs through a lens grounded in theoretical frameworks and ethnographic exploration, this research contributes to ongoing efforts toward a more holistic and compassionate approach to care for older adults. Findings from this study highlight the imperative to foster an inclusive and empathetic caregiving ethos that honours the diverse experiences of older adults, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on the social dynamics of care and the profound implications for the well-being and dignity of those residing in care homes. Due to its context-specific analysis of this particular care home, with the incorporation of detailed case studies, this study's unique contribution lies in offering a rich account of gender dynamics in caregiving within the care home setting. This study offers insight into the future benefits of ethnographic research in residential care settings, the beneficial relationship between humanised care and research ethics, as well as the symbiosis of ‘caring care’ and ethnographic methodology.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) | ||||||
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| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Residential care, older persons, gender, ethnography, humanization of care | ||||||
| Subjects: | CAH15 - social sciences > CAH15-01 - sociology, social policy and anthropology > CAH15-01-01 - social sciences (non-specific) CAH15 - social sciences > CAH15-04 - health and social care > CAH15-04-03 - health studies |
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| Divisions: | Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > College of Health and Care Professions |
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| Depositing User: | Jaycie Carter | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 02 Sep 2024 13:08 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 02 Sep 2024 13:08 | ||||||
| URI: | https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/15756 |
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