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A taxonomy of dignity: a grounded theory study
1Health Systems Research and Consulting Unit, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. nora_jacobson@camh.net
BMC International Health and Human Rights
|February 26, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a taxonomy of dignity, identifying human and social dignity. This framework helps understand dignity
Area of Science:
- Health and Human Rights
- Sociology
- Philosophy
Background:
- Explores Jonathan Mann's concept linking dignity, health, and human rights.
- Addresses the need for a structured vocabulary to define dignity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a taxonomy of dignity.
- To characterize dignity within health and human rights contexts.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory analysis of literature on dignity.
- Conducted 64 semi-structured interviews with diverse populations.
Main Results:
- Identified two forms of dignity: human and social.
- Detailed elements of dignity, including violations, promotions, and consequences.
- Proposed a theory of dignity as an interactionally constituted quality.
Conclusions:
- The taxonomy offers a framework for health and human rights interventions.
- Provides a shared language for discussing dignity in practice and research.
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