Merle Weßel is postdoctoral researcher in the division Ethics in Medicine at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Oldenburg. Her academic background is in cultural studies, gender studies and history and she hold a doctoral degree in area and cultural studies from the University of Helsinki. Her research focuses on feminist theory, ageing and intersectionality and gender aspects in medicine.
Niklas Ellerich-Groppe is a doctoral student in the division Ethics in Medicine at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Oldenburg. His academic background is in social work, educational sciences and theology. His research interest include the social-theoretical positioning of medical-ethical questions, social philosophy and the ethics of the welfare state. He is particularly interested in questions of justice theory and ethics in connection with digitalisation. Further foci of his scientific work are heterogeneity in the healthcare system, ethics in social work, and the philosophy of education.
Mark Schweda is professor for Ethics in Medicine at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Oldenburg. His academic background is in philosophy and medical ethics. His research focuses on the role of modern medicine, healthcare and technologies for aging, the life course, and human temporality. Recent publications include M. Schweda, M. Coors, and C. Bozzaro (eds.) (2019): Aging and Human Nature. Perspectives from Philosophical, Theological, and Historical Anthropology, Springer 2020 and M. Schweda, l. Pfaller, K. Bauer, F. Adloff, S. Schicktanz (eds.) (2017): Planning Later Life. Bioethics and Public Health in Ageing Societies, Routledge.
Stereotyping of social robots in eldercare. An explorative analysis of ethical problems and possible solutions
Due to demographic aging, the relevance of social robots in eldercare is increasing. Studies indicate that gender stereotypes play an important role in human-robot interaction and could be used strategically to optimize care. However, as gender roles among older people become more diverse and societal recognition of different needs and preferences grows, such stereotypical notions appear increasingly problematic. Our contribution provides an explorative ethical analysis of gender stereotyping in social robotics for eldercare. Starting from a principlist approach, we map potential problems and conflicts and discuss possible solutions for culturally sustainable social robots for eldercare in late-modern pluralistic societies.
