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Researching Elder Abuse

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2008

Jim Ogg  and
Carol Munn-Giddings
Jim Ogg
Affiliation:
Department of Health Care of the Elderly, Royal London Trust (Mile End), Bancroft Road, London E1 4DG.
Carol Munn-Giddings
Affiliation:
Essex County Council Social Services Department, County Hall, Chelmsford, Essex.
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Abstract

There is a growing interest among several disciplines in the phenomenon of the abuse of elderly people (elder abuse). This article examines how elder abuse is being constructed as a social problem and the particular conceptual difficulties which sets elder abuse apart from other forms of family violence. American elder abuse research findings are discussed focusing upon the difficulties of developing indicators of ‘abuse’ and the consequent problems of comparing findings. A lack of British research on elder abuse is noted and this deficit is examined with reference to the methodological and ethical issues of researching a sensitive topic. The way in which the research process interacts with and influences our understanding of elder abuse is examined in the light of these considerations. The article concludes with a call for greater awareness of these issues in future research on elder abuse.

Type
Research Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 13 , Issue 3 , September 1993 , pp. 389 - 413
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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