Abandoning 'a Lifetime of Habits' to Avoid the 'Sins of the Past': De-Congregating Institutions with Deeply Ingrained Traditions. (31st October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brennan, Ciara; Lally, Niamh; O'Brien, Patricia; O'Leary, Catherine
• Is Part Of: International journal of disability and social justice. Volume 2:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2022-10-31
• Subjects: De-congregation -- defence -- disruption -- institutional legacy -- policy -- staff; Disability studies -- Periodicals; Social justice -- Periodicals; Social work with people with disabilities -- Periodicals; 305.908
• DOI: 10.13169/intljofdissocjus.2.2.0023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2732-4044

Abstract

Abstract : While many studies have identified the problem of reproducing small institutions in community settings, few have explored why. This article explores how staff preserve and defend institutionalised beliefs and practices in community settings. We apply the concepts of disruptive and defensive institutional work to analyse the findings of qualitative interviews at six Irish residential institutions that were identified as priority sites for a national de-congregation programme. Reflecting on their roles, staff conceptualised their practices as historical, traditional, and reflective of a bygone era. However, the findings indicate that it would be misleading to represent institutional practices as relics of the past. The programme offered an olive branch for staff members who wanted to distance themselves from a 'lifetime of habits' and 'sins of the past'.