Carceral layers in a geropsychiatric unit in Finland

Abstract

This article contributes to the discussion concerning carceral spaces and increases the knowledge of the carceral by introducing the concept of carceral layers. The concept is used to analyse the events of a geropsychiatric ward in Finland and mistreatment cases that allegedly happened in the ward. I analyse the charges set by the prosecutor and examine the carceral layers’ spatial effect inside the institution. I argue that the carceral layers have both spatial and temporal meaning of constructing the carceral spaces, and by accumulating in certain spaces, it makes them ‘more carceral’ than others. The concept of carceral layers illustrates the multilayered ontologies of carceral spaces and increases the understanding of the formation of carceral spaces inside institutions of care. The materials used encompass documents, such as reports, legal codes and trial documents and materials of the preliminary investigation of the police. The study shows that older people with cognitive and mental disabilities are at great risk of being mistreated. The study thus also contributes to understanding the challenges in the globally ageing world.

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