Sociology and human rights: what have they got to say about care and dignity?

Ferrie, J. (2010) Sociology and human rights: what have they got to say about care and dignity? International Journal of Human Rights, 14(6), pp. 865-879. (doi: 10.1080/13642987.2010.512129)

Abstract

The focus of this contribution mainly falls on the relevant policy concerning care in the United Kingdom pertaining to older people, people with mental ill health and anyone else in receipt of health and/or social care services. It offers an attempt to consider the impact that sociology could have on improving the ethical practices of care. Attempts to assert rights in residential care have been challenged by a dominant culture that has eroded claims to citizenship. It is argued that this is due to a legal emphasis on regulation through care standards that has limited use because it avoids the realities of care. This contribution argues that a purely legal understanding of human rights is inadequate to address the social realities of inadequate care. The treatment of and provision of care for people living in long-stay institutions requires a human rights framework that operates socially rather than legally to recognise lived experiences in order to empower and emancipate.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ferrie, Professor Jo
• Authors: Ferrie, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing; College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
• Journal Name: International Journal of Human Rights
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISSN: 1364-2987
• ISSN (Online): 1744-053X