Long-term care workers and bureaucracy: The occupational ritualization of maltreatment in nursing homes and recommended policies
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2007
Abstract
This article proposes that occupational rituals are an important part of social life for long-term care workers. Using 40 biographies, autobiographies, and research monographs to examine nursing homes, it reviews various symbolic themes expressed through daily work rituals in nursing homes. The themes involve concepts related to the culture of bureaucracy. This includes staff separation, rules, documentation, efficiency, and meetings. Using structural ritualization theory, we suggest that certain ritualized symbolic practices that express these themes influence the behaviors of nursing home employees shaping the thoughts and social interaction of nursing home staff members, creating occupational ritualization. Ritualized symbolic practices also contribute to the unintended maltreatment of residents. However, we believe alternative policies can generate work rituals with the potential to replace or offset the negative impacts of bureaucracy on maltreatment.
DOI
10.1177/193672440700100110
First Page
52
Last Page
70
Volume
1
Issue
1
Publication Title
Journal of Applied Social Science
ISSN
19367244
Recommended Citation
Ulsperger, J. S., & Knottnerus, J. D. (2007). Long-term care workers and bureaucracy the Occupational Ritualization of maltreatment in nursing homes and recommended policies. Journal of Applied Social Science, 1(1), 52-70. doi:10.1177/193672440700100110