Interdisciplinary health care teamwork as a space of recognition: contributions of Axel Honneth's theory

• Published in: Physis (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Vol. 22; no. 4; pp. 1563 - 1583
• Main Authors: Miranda, Lilian, Rivera, Francisco Javier Uribe, Artmann, Elizabeth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: 01.01.2012
• Subjects: Health Care Services; Honneth, Axel; Innovations; Interdisciplinary Approach; Patients; Psychoanalysis; Public Health; Teamwork
• ISSN: 0103-7331
• DOI: 10.1590/S0103-73312012000400016

This theoretical study aims to correlate the discussion about interdisciplinary teamwork in public health institutions with the key concepts of contemporary philosopher Axel Honneth with regards to what he called the Struggle for Recognition. We start by revising the notion of subject in Honneth's theory, especially based on his dialogue with Donald Winnicott's psychoanalysis. We highlight that this subject is eminently social; its constitution depends on the recognition of others regarding its otherness and the legitimacy of its belonging to a social group. Next, we show that this recognition occurs through a process of struggle, which is essential for developing the capacity to love and to relate to others. We then argue that the work in interdisciplinary teams can be configured as a potent space for the recognition of professionals, as discussed by Honneth. Teams may thus facilitate the development of creative work and innovations in the organization of care provided to patients. Adapted from the source document.