The impacts of a driving ban: A socio-legal empirical analysis of the everyday experiences of people living with epilepsy in Finland

Marja Lönnroth; Iina Järvinen; Minni Teerikangas; Mervi Issakainen; Elisa Tiilikainen; Anna Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen; Kaijus Ervasti

doi:10.35295/osls.iisl.2576

Autori

Marja Lönnroth University of Helsinki, Department of Social Sciences/University of East Finland, Law Schol https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9226-7480
Iina Järvinen University of Eastern Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2572-5166
Minni Teerikangas University of Eastern Finland
Mervi Issakainen University of Eastern Finland, Law School https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7471-2148
Elisa Tiilikainen University of Eastern Finland, Department of Social Sciences https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3947-6036
Anna Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen University of Eastern Finland, Law School https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7142-3498
Kaijus Ervasti University of Eastern Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9114-7179

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl.2576

Parole chiave:

Epilepsy, Driving ban, Socio-legal Studies, Impacts of Law, Law and Society, epilepsy and law, access to justice

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the impact of driving ban legislation on individuals with epilepsy in Finland, focusing on how these limitations affect their everyday life. We do this by empirically analysing material from qualitative interviews, examining the experiences of individuals who have had a driving ban imposed on them. The findings reveal that driving is perceived as a crucial aspect of autonomy and identity, with significant implications for daily life and social participation. The study highlights the rigidity of current legislation regarding driving bans, which often fails to consider individual circumstances, leading to feelings of frustration and unequal opportunities. Recommendations include improving communication about legal guidelines, providing tailored support and enhancing access to alternative transportation services. This research contributes to the understanding of how driving restrictions intersect with broader socio-legal barriers, advocating for more inclusive policies that better support the mobility rights of individuals living with epilepsy.

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Biografie autore

Marja Lönnroth, University of Helsinki, Department of Social Sciences/University of East Finland, Law Schol

Marja Lönnröth (DSocSci) is a social psychologist working as a university lecturer at the University of Helsinki. Her research interests touch upon themes such as intersectional constructions of inclusions, exclusions and negotiations of marginalised identities, as well as gendered understandings linked to care, ageing and illness.

Iina Järvinen , University of Eastern Finland

Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland. With a background in public law and fundamental rights research, she specializes in themes related to inequality from a socio-legal perspective. Currently, she studies societal participation and the realization of fundamental rights among marginalized and minoritized groups.

Minni Teerikangas, University of Eastern Finland

PhD researcher in University of Eastern Finland. Her work focuses on elder abuse. She has also participated in several projects concerning realization of rights and health and well-being of various social groups. Email: minni.teerikangas@uef.fi

Mervi Issakainen, University of Eastern Finland, Law School

Mervi Issakainen (DSocSci) is a social psychologist working as a senior researcher at the University of Eastern Finland. She has explored issues related to health, well-being and the realisation of rights for people of different ages in several multidisciplinary research projects. She is a member of the Neuro-ethics and law research team (UEF) that focuses on the research related to legal status and legal protection of people with brain diseases and other disabilities. Email: mervi.issakainen@uef.fi

Elisa Tiilikainen, University of Eastern Finland, Department of Social Sciences

Elisa Tiilikainen is a Professor of Social Work at University of Eastern Finland. Her work includes research and teaching regarding questions related to social gerontology and gerontological social work. Currently Tiilikainen is a PI in research projects focusing on older men’s driving cessation and social work practices when working with complex family relations of older adults. Email: elisa.tiilikainen@uef.fi

Anna Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen, University of Eastern Finland, Law School

Anna Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen is Professor of Law and Ageing at the University of Eastern Finland. Her research focuses on Elder Law combining jurisprudence with social and medical sciences. Currently Mäki-Petäjä-Leinonen co-leads the Neuro-Ethics and Law research team, which is part of the university’s multidisciplinary Neuroscience research community. Email: anna.maki-petaja-leinonen@uef.fi

Kaijus Ervasti, University of Eastern Finland

Kaijus Ervasti LL.D. is professor of Law and Society at the University of Eastern Finland. He is one of the leading Law and society and access to justice researchers in the Nordic countries. Email: kaijus.ervasti@uef.fi

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