Care and violence through the lens of personal support workers

Abstract

Using a grounded theory approach, this article contends that violence should be considered a part of, rather than in opposition to, care. This conceptualisation is empirically supported by themes from a qualitative study of personal support worker education in Ontario, Canada: one on violence against workers; another on abuse; and a third on sentimental motivations. This article demonstrates the tensions of care: that it can be at once violent and rewarding. The conclusion considers what to do with the discomfort raised by this tense definition, suggesting that it is an essential starting point for transforming the organisation of care.