The mistreatment of older people is categorized in many societies as "elder abuse and neglect," yet the concept has not been subjected to rigorous critical inquiry. Instead, it has most often represented the interests of professionals, academics, and governments, while policy makers and researchers frequently overlook or disregard the complexity of issues that fall under this designation.

Contesting Elder Abuse and Neglect questions existing understandings about the mistreatment of older people. It explores how and why the designation "elder abuse and neglect" came to be and shows how this term masks problems concerning the mistreatment of older people, their place in society, and how they see themselves. Joan R. Harbison and her colleagues expose how supposed solutions to the problem of abuse can take their toll on those people they were originally intended to protect. The book is an important contribution to the literature that encourages new thinking about issues concerning the mistreatment of older people.

Drawing on twenty years of original, interdisciplinary research, Contesting Elder Abuse and Neglect explores how and why the mistreatment of older people became known as "elder abuse and neglect" and the consequences of this designation.

About the Author

Joan R. Harbison is an adjunct professor at the Dalhousie University School of Social Work in Halifax. She has a wide background in interdisciplinary and international projects and has published nationally and internationally on the mistreatment of older people, ageism, and human rights.

Book Information
ISBN 9780774832342
Author Joan R. Harbison
Format Paperback
Page Count 360
Imprint University of British Columbia Press
Publisher University of British Columbia Press