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Abstract

English

Vulnerability is a policy and practice concept which is often ascribed a fixed meaning with universal connotations. In this article, different conceptualizations of vulnerability are examined. It is argued that this exploration militates against the erosion of self-determination and autonomy and revitalizes working relationships between service users and professionals.

French

Vulnérabilité est un concept de politique et de pratique auquel est souvent attribuée une signification fixe aux connotations universelles. Dans cet article, les conceptualisations différentes de la vulnérabilité sont examinées. Il y est discuté que cette exploration milite contre l’érosion de l’autodétermination et de l’autonomie et revitalise des rapports de travail entre les usagers des services et les professionnels.

Spanish

La vulnerabilidad es un concepto de política y práctica social al que se adscribe un significado fijo, con connotaciones universales. Se examinan diferentes conceptualizaciones de vulnerabilidad. Se arguye que este examen milita en contra de la erosión de la autodeterminación y la autonomía, y revitaliza las relaciones de trabajo entre los usuarios de servicios y los profesionales.

Keywords

constructionism mental health older women vulnerability

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