STATĚ / ARTICLES
Alena Glajchová:
Rekonceptualizace pojmu zranitelnosti a jeho užití coby analytického nástroje
[Reconceptualization of Vulnerability and its Use as an Analytic Tool]
Glajchová, A. 2018. „Rekonceptualizace pojmu zranitelnosti a jeho užití coby analytického nástroje.“ Acta Fakulty filozofické Západočeské univerzity v Plzni 10 (1): 7–25.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24132/actaff.2018.10.1.1
Abstract
This paper focuses on the notion of vulnerability and its conceptualization in the scientific sphere. The concept of vulnerability is used frequently, but its explanation and definition is vague and insufficient. The main purpose of this paper is to point out the limitations of the use of this concept in existing definitions and research articles and highlight its importance for further use as an analytic tool. Based on review of literature, the aim is to reconceptualise the notion of vulnerability in the scientific field and define it with respect to already established concepts that are closely related to the concept of vulnerability. Close attention is paid to the research area of health and the provision of health care. One of the major findings of analysis points out that vulnerability is mostly defined by many authors as a susceptibility to harm or neglect (Rogers 1997; Aday 1994) or its definition is often ignored. The most frequent use of this concept is based on the principle of labelling and many individuals are labelled as vulnerable based on one fixed category, such as gender, age, ethnicity, race, etc. In conclusion, I assume that such an approach homogenizes and stereotypically classifies vulnerable groups of the population. I suggest a new definition of vulnerability, which does not deny the individuality of each vulnerable person. This redefinition makes it possible to reveal the sources of vulnerability and various dimensions of social inequality.
Key words
vulnerability, vulnerable groups, bioethics, healthcare, intersectional approach, social inequalities
