Shifting meaning of asylum

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Urban Studies
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Explores Henri Lefebvre's and Edward Soja's spatial theories.
• Introduces Soja's concept of Thirdspace, challenging traditional spatial dialectics.
• Reconstructs space through trialectics, embracing 'both/and' logic over 'either/or' binaries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand the conceptualization of asylum using Soja's Thirdspace theory.
• To challenge the binary thinking of hospital versus community asylum.
• To discuss implications for future research on asylum spaces.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis applying Soja's Thirdspace conceptualization.
• Examining the binary logic of asylum spaces (hospital vs. community).
• Considering the emic perspective of individuals with long-term mental illness.

Main Results:

• The study proposes a new framework for understanding asylum.
• It moves beyond simplistic dichotomies of asylum settings.
• It highlights the potential for innovative approaches to asylum research.

Conclusions:

• The emic perspective of individuals with long-term mental illness is vital.
• Understanding their lived experiences enriches the concept of asylum.
• This approach offers valuable insights into the spatial dimensions of mental health care.