ASMENŲ SU NEGALIA ORUMO UŽTIKRINIMAS GLOBOS ĮSTAIGOSE

Résumé fourni par la source

The article examines the relationship between different concepts of human dignity and the practical promotion of dignity in care institutions. Two main concepts of dignity are distinguished: 1) static and universal dignity based on the inherent value of the individual; 2) dynamic and relational social dignity, shaped by prevailing standards of society. The first concept of dignity is based on Kant’s concept of the morality of a free person, which states that a person’s ability to behave morally makes him inherently valuable, therefore people cannot be used for the purposes of others. The second concept of dignity is based not on the inherent value of the individual, but on what the social environment considers dignity and what opportunities are needed to live a dignified life. Since dignity, according to this concept, can be lost during social practices, it is important to analyse how practical efforts are made both not to violate and to promote human dignity.The object of the article - promotion of human dignity. The goal of the research - to determine how human dignity is ensured when providing social services to persons with disabilities. Research objectives: 1) to reveal different theoretical perspectives on the concept of dignity; 2) to analyse how the dignity of persons with disabilities is ensured in practice; 3) to identify the implications of different treatment for the practical maintenance of dignity.The research data were collected using a semi-structured interview method. The method of analysis was content analysis, distinguishing categories and subcategories, based on affirmative statements. The research was conducted in three social care institutions participating in the deinstitutionalization process and implementing the inter-institutional cooperation project “Growing up together: competence and community in care homes” in 2025–2027, one of the main goals of which is to ensure the dignity of a person with a disability. They all provide long-term, short-term and temporary respite social care services for persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, as well as community services, such as group living homes and sheltered housing services. One of the institutions operates in the Vilnius region, two others in the Kaunas region. The study involved 12 social workers from 2 to 22 years of work experience in social care homes, working with persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities and mental health.The results of the research showed that social workers in care institutions understand human dignity as the principle of respect, autonomy, privacy and attention for individual needs. Dignity is associated with the opportunity to be heard, make decisions, have one’s own space and manage one’s life. The institutions emphasize that every person is valuable, and their opinions and needs must be respected both in everyday life and in the provision of services. At the same time, practical provision of services is based on different understandings of dignity.The research revealed that participants defined dignity in various ways, sometimes not fully realizing the differences. Dignity was often defined through its practical implementation (satisfaction of physiological needs, assistance, provision of services) or negatively through the absence of violations of dignity (such as humiliation, discrimination, disclosure of information).In cases where social workers attempt to conceptualize the concept of dignity other than through practical examples, then the Kantian influence becomes evident in the definitions of dignity they provide. The emphasis on respect which all human beings deserve shows that human dignity is understood as a universally valid moral value that creates an equal relationship. Although Kant derived human dignity from the ability to be rational and moral, he primarily linked it to the concept of a free agent. Even in the case of persons with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities, social workers emphasize that they provide freedom to choose and decide. It is precisely this ability for a person to make decisions for themselves that is the essential condition for a free and dignified person. Thus, by emphasizing this right to self-determination, the informants essentially repeat the Kantian definition of people as ends, not merely means.Meanwhile, when talking about the dynamic aspect of dignity, i.e. changes, self-realization or development of self-esteem, social workers rely more on the concept of social dignity. Social or relative dignity depends on whether the state and the immediate social environment guarantee the possibility of having what society considers a decent and acceptable way of life. Ensuring basic needs and living conditions corresponds precisely to this concept. The responses of social workers reveal a rather diverse list of things necessary to ensure dignity: from minimal physiological needs to independence and involvement in community life.In practice, the dignity of service users is ensured in various ways:1. Communication with service users – social workers use respectful, empathetic and open communication, constantly consider the opinions of service users, allow them to express their needs and wishes, and adapt their communication style individually. Individual communication, listening and emotional support are emphasized.2. Implementation of choices and decisions – service users are actively involved in decision- making, are allowed to choose daily activities, food etc. Institutions strive to provide the opportunity to make real decisions according to the needs of the person, thus promoting independence and responsibility. 3. Social participation and employment – the aim is to ensure that persons with disabilitiescan participate in various activities both inside and outside the institution. Educational, cultural, sports and leisure activities are organized, opportunities are created to communicate with the community, maintain contacts with family and loved ones.4. Ensuring privacy and confidentiality – ensuring physical and emotional privacy, the ability to lock rooms, use personal lockers and have individual sanitary facilities.Thus, social workers, when working in care homes with persons with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities, ensure human dignity with a multifaceted, individualized approach, combining the independence of service users, protection of privacy and respectful communication.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.