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Tackling indifference--clowning, dementia, and the articulation of a sensitive body

Authors :
Ruud Hendriks
Philosophy
RS: FASoS AMC
RS: FASoS WTMC
Source :
Medical Anthropology, 31(6), 459-476. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

In this auto-ethnographic study, I focus on a special form of clowning for people at an advanced stage of dementia. The miMakkus clown is presented as a specialist in contact with people with whom communication is no longer possible by the usual (linguistic, cognitive) means. I illustrate how the miMakkus clown tries to reach people with dementia, focusing specifically on the role of the sensitive body as an instrument for attunement. As I demonstrate, in their contact, the clown and the person with dementia are involved in a process of mutual articulation.

Details

ISSN :
15455882 and 01459740
Volume :
31
Issue :
6
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Medical anthropology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....609c2e6c1252207cfdadf54eb3c24cf6