Marginalization of Maltreatment of Family Caregivers of Older People in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Epistemic Injustice?

Abstract

This theoretical paper interrogates aging and caregiving, focusing on the abuse of caregivers of older people in Sub-Saharan Africa, through the lenses of Epistemic Injustice, Social Identity, and Feminist Theories. Epistemic Injustice shows how societal structures silence caregivers' voices. Social Identity emphasises communal values over individual well-being, thereby silencing accounts of abuse. Feminist Theory highlights how gender roles increase female caregivers' vulnerability. Recognising these intersectional influences could foster inclusive discourse on caregiver well-being. The paper posits that social work practice must recognise family caregivers as a vulnerable population to family violence, validate their experiences of abuse and build supportive systems.