An ethnographic study of gendered experiences of care in older age
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An ethnographic investigation of gendered experiences of dignity and wellbeing among older adults in a residential care setting
IRAS ID
288032
Contact name
Jayme Tauzer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham City University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
This qualitative research study is designed to deepen current understandings of how older adults living in residential care experience daily life. The aim of this study is to understand the way gender identity shapes older adults’ experiences of dignity and well-being, and findings will contribute to research on care. The study will take place in a residential care facility located in north England, which offers a continuum from independent living to end-of-life care.\n\nThis study will take place in a residential care community for older adults which is designed as a series of individual households each with 10-12 residents and separate apartments. I will reside in a separate guest apartment in the community for two to three weeks’ time over the duration of the data collection period. I will conduct ethnographic research to understand the day-to-day experiences of residents with and without cognitive impairments through the means of participant observation, interviews, and conversations with both residents and staff. With the support of gatekeepers for the households, managers and residential care staff, I will introduce my research to the community and to each household and I will conduct participant observation during household-wide events such as cooking, crafting, and activities of daily life. \n\nData will take the form of field notes as well as recorded and transcribed interviews and conversations and a reflexive journal. Though I am focused on the experiences of residents, I will also talk to staff in order to make sense of the culture of the facility; including experiences and the role of staff will provide a deeper understanding of the care facility. I will analyse data with a particular focus on gender, using a theoretical framework of gender and humanising care.\n\n\n
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
20/IEC08/0037
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion