Expert knowledge, cognitive polyphasia and health: a study on social representations of homelessness among professionals working in the voluntary sector in London

Renedo, Alicia and Jovchelovitch, Sandra (2007) Expert knowledge, cognitive polyphasia and health: a study on social representations of homelessness among professionals working in the voluntary sector in London. Journal of Health Psychology, 12 (5). pp. 779-790. ISSN 1461-7277

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Abstract

This article develops a social representational approach to understanding expert knowledge and its relation to health. Research with homelessness professionals (HPs) working in the UK voluntary sector shows that expert definitions of homelessness can either undermine or enhance the health of the homeless. Guided by the concepts of social representations and cognitive polyphasia, the analysis reveals a contradictory field of knowledge, which reflects the struggle of professionals to sustain a humanizing approach and resist the pressures of statutory agendas. We conclude pointing to the need of recognizing the impact of professional's knowledge on the health and care policies for the homeless.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	http://hpq.sagepub.com/
Additional Information:	© 2007 SAGE Publications
Library of Congress subject classification:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Sets:	Departments > Social Psychology Departments > Psychological and Behavioural Science
Date Deposited:	28 May 2010 10:12
URL:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/28127/

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