Identity Theories: Structure and Agency in Physiotherapy Practice with Hazel Horobin Zoom link for the meeting: https://aut.zoom.us/j/498232698 In this presentation, I will use the theories by Jenkins (2014) and Foucault (1988) to explore how an individual’s identity is socially constructed and I outline how Gauntlett understands the way in which identities are expressed. Through an appreciation of the difficulties of capturing the fleeting identities these views generate, an alternative term is proposed - ‘identifications’ which represents these more contemporary considerations of ‘self’ more rigorously (Bauman, 2013). I then go on to explore the impact of social context on … [Read more...] about 6th free Critical Physiotherapy Course – next week
30 Days of September: Day 4
Today's image was suggested by Ian Edwards. Click on the image to open it to full size. You can then save it and turn it into a desktop background by following these brief instructions. … [Read more...] about 30 Days of September: Day 4
The politics of touch
Perhaps one of the biggest points of difference in current debates around the future of physiotherapy involves the question of whether physiotherapy should be evidence-based. It is self-evidence - so some say - that physiotherapy practice should be based on the best available evidence, since to practice otherwise might put people at risk, or damage the reputation of physiotherapy as a science. One of the less-well-often discussed issues with this argument is how much people - and by this I mean the public, our professional colleagues and peers, and the organisations that fund us and legislate for us - actually care whether some therapeutic practices are evidence-based. An article … [Read more...] about The politics of touch
There is no ‘you’ in physiotherapy
Cast your mind back to your days as a physiotherapy student. Did any of your lecturers ever change what or how they were taught based on the personalities of the people in the class? Was the subject of the session changed from the lesson plan to reflect an individual or group's cultural beliefs and values? My suspicion is probably not, or if it did happen, it didn't happen much when you were learning anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, biomechanics, assessment or treatment techniques, research methods, or any of the other 'core' subjects in the physiotherapy curriculum. I once shared an office with a lecturer who had very devout faith, and I often wondered how she reconciled … [Read more...] about There is no ‘you’ in physiotherapy
New: Reflection
There's a phrase that I've come to use over and over again in recent years whenever I've presented at conferences or talked to people about the research I do, and I use it because it beautifully encapsulates what I think is perhaps the main problem now facing the physiotherapy profession. It comes from a book written by a New Zealand doctor who is part European and part Māori. His name is Glenn Colquhoun, and he's written some fantastic books about health care, using poetry and prose to express his ideas (see this link to his work). In one slim volume titled 'Jumping Ship,' Colquhoun describes his experience coming to terms with his Māori heritage. He spent a few years in the far … [Read more...] about New: Reflection
New: humanities
Although it’s going to be hard to accept, particularly by those people currently striving to make a difference in the profession, but it probably won’t be this generation of physiotherapists that bring about the radical change necessary to prepare the profession for the new world of 21st century health care. There are any number of reasons for this: Physiotherapists are, by and large, a relatively conservative bunch, who don’t instigate radical change Physiotherapy is highly respected and well patronised, so there are few indicators that we need to change much Most people in positions of authority have received a traditional training, and tend to like things the way that they are, … [Read more...] about New: humanities
Some January highlights
In case you missed these notices during January, here are a few new things that you might be interested in: Breath A beautiful short video about breath from The Mercadantes, the husband-and-wife filmmakers Daniel and Katina Mercadante in California. The film explores the human breath and its innumerable forms – from the first gasping cries of a newborn to the sighed relief of a well-earned chance to rest. New book by Felix Guattari A new book edited by Gary Genosko collecting some of French philosopher Félix Guattari's work during his frequent visits to Japan in the 1980s. Guattari frequently visited Japan during the 1980s and organized exchanges between French and Japanese artists and … [Read more...] about Some January highlights