Slaps, Punches, Pinches -- But not Violence: Boundary Work in Nursing Homes for the Elderly
The article presents an analysis of boundary work within the context of care for the elderly, where violence appears to be widespread though still relatively unacknowledged. By resorting to certain descriptive – often jocular – modes, the staff designate aggressive acts committed by patients as 'non-violent'. This occurs although intent, responsibility, and injury – all common criteria associated