A1 Journal article (refereed)
Distances and proximities of care : Analysing emotio-spatial distances in informal caring (2018)
Sihto, T. (2018). Distances and proximities of care : Analysing emotio-spatial distances in informal caring. Emotion, Space and Society, 29, 62-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emospa.2018.10.002
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Sihto, Tiina
Journal or series: Emotion, Space and Society
ISSN: 1755-4586
eISSN: 1878-0040
Publication year: 2018
Volume: 29
Issue number: 0
Pages range: 62-68
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emospa.2018.10.002
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/63561
Abstract
This article analyses how emotio-spatial distances in informal caring are experienced by Finnish women who are employed and simultaneously caring for an ageing relative. The article's research questions are: how do spatial distance and proximity shape informal carers' emotional responses to caring? What kinds of emotion do spatial ‘distance’ or ‘proximity’ evoke in the interview accounts of informal carers? The article draws on theorisations regarding emotional geographies of care. The data consists of two focus group interviews with a total of 12 women who were combining employment with caring. The analysis shows that spatially proximate carers have difficulty detaching from caring, whereas spatially distant carers experience feelings of worry and insecurity regarding the well-being of their care partner. However, in some cases spatial distance also functions as a way for carers to set limits on the amount and intensity of care. The article illustrates the complex ways emotions enter and shape caringscapes, i.e. the spatio-temporal frameworks of care. The analysis also highlights gendered dynamics both among (potential) carers and in care partnerships, and how these dynamics are reflected across varying distances.
Keywords: caring for close relatives; remote caregiving; family relations; emotions; distance; focus-group interviews
Free keywords: emotional geographies; focus groups; informal care
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- Centre of Excellence in Research on Ageing and Care
- Kröger, Teppo
- Research Council of Finland
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2018
JUFO rating: 1