A1 Journal article (refereed)
Responses to vulnerability : care ethics and the technologisation of eldercare (2020)

Hämäläinen, A. (2020). Responses to vulnerability : care ethics and the technologisation of eldercare. International Journal of Care and Caring, 4(2), 167-182. https://doi.org/10.1332/239788220X15833753877589

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Hämäläinen, Antti

Journal or series: International Journal of Care and Caring

ISSN: 2397-8821

eISSN: 2397-883X

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 4

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 167-182

Publisher: Policy Press

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1332/239788220X15833753877589

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68476

Abstract

This article argues for a re-conceptualisation of care relations and uses the re-conceptualisation to scrutinise the way in which technology is adopted in eldercare practices. First, it draws on the definition of care as attentiveness to vulnerability, as used in the tradition of care ethics. Second, it specifies four essential aspects of care relations: relationality, dyadic mutuality, corporeality and devotion. Third, using socio-technical and phenomenological perspectives, care relations are contrasted with the idea of intertwining technological and human actors in care practices. Finally, using two adaptations of telecare as examples, the essential aspects of care relations are shown to be crucial for a thorough socio-technical understanding of eldercare and technology.

Keywords: care work; care for the elderly; ethics; technological development; phenomenology

Free keywords: social studies of science and technology; care ethics; eldercare technologisation; phenomenology

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1