The Emergence of the Confused: Public Understanding of a Dutch Classification System, 2009-2019 (History) & 2015-2018 (Thematic Analysis)

Baak, Arlette (2024) The Emergence of the Confused: Public Understanding of a Dutch Classification System, 2009-2019 (History) & 2015-2018 (Thematic Analysis). Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Newspaper headlines often highlight incidents involving 'confused persons', a classification with significant consequences. While the work of Karlijn Roex (2019a) and Bauke Koekkoek (2019) has laid important groundwork for understanding the challenges faced by those labelled 'confused,' this study further explores the role of the media in shaping the narrative, with a focus on the north of the Netherlands. We trace the historical development of the 'confused person' classification, starting with how these individuals are registered in the police system. A timeline from 2009 to 2019 outlines the evolving media hype surrounding them. In the North of the Netherlands, a thematic analysis of media representations from 2015 to 2018 reveals three key themes: (1) 'Confused persons seen as vulnerable mental health patients', highlighting the blurred boundaries between 'confused' and mental health patients; (2) 'Confused persons seen as dangerous criminals', exposing the arbitrary use of the term and its association with criminality; and (3) 'Confused persons seen as ticking time bombs', discussing preventive measures such as forced institutionalisation. Observing a shift in boundaries within the classification system, 'confused' stands out as it can be applied prior to legal or medical proceedings. Through Foucault's (2006) lens, societal categorisations of mental states are the product of historical constructions. Wacquant's insights further highlight the impact of changing perceptions within society. The labelling of 'confused persons' as more dangerous than terrorists discusses Foucault's (1977) observations on power. A critical evaluation of when and why the label 'confused' is applied is crucial, especially given its use in different societal problems. Viewing 'confused' as a shift in existing perceptions requires a nuanced approach to societal attitudes towards human behaviour, recognising it as a holistic understanding rather than a new phenomenon.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Burman, J.T.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Theory and History of Psychology [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	25 Mar 2024 15:34
Last Modified:	25 Mar 2024 15:34
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3264

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