Synopses & Reviews
We live in ageing societies. Age preoccupies governments as much as individuals. A new affluence has spread across society and across the lifecourse. For many people looking forward to retirement, later life has changed for the better. But with this positive outcome for older people have come policy and social dilemmas for governments and individuals alike.
Drawing on a wide range of sources, this book analyses the social nature of later life in the context of the history of welfare states, the emergence of consumer society and the growth of individualism. The book argues that the third age, its origins, identity and contradictions are central to understanding the future of our society.
"Contexts of Ageing" is certain to stimulate academic debate. It is also appropriate for adoption on a range of courses. The book is written in a lively and accessible way, giving it appeal to upper-level undergraduates and postgraduates taking courses in sociology, social policy and health studies. Students and professionals working in the areas of nursing, health care and social gerontology will also find this book of interest.
Review
"An extremely valuable contribution to the sociological literature."
Kate Davidson, Sociology
"The most cogent attempt so far to force a sea-change in the way we think about old age."
Simon Biggs, Ageing and Society
"A provocative analysis which should stimulate fresh thinking and new research in the field of ageing."
Chris Phillipson, Keele University
"Contexts of Ageing is an important profound, contribution to the literature. Like a fine wine, the reader savours the careful use of language and fresh insights brought forward by Gilleard and Higgs. This book is to be read carefully, for the authors compel their readers to expand their minds and challenge conventional wisdom about the past, present, and future of the ageing society. Contexts of Ageing is a must read."
Scott A. Bass, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Review
“A most welcome collection that provides a much-needed and up-to-date orientation on the open frontiers of class across the life course.”
Review
“An exciting collection which successfully sets out to re-invigorate the consideration of class in gerontology. The editors have done a fantastic job of bringing the diverse positions adopted by the contributors into dialogue with each other.”
Review
“This fascinating edited volume brings together top-notch scholars who each cast a unique lens on a rarely studied topic. A must-read for students of social gerontology, stratification, and inequalities.”
Review
“This eloquent, thought-provoking collection will be essential reading for scholars of ageing and all with an interest in policy linked to ageing.”
Review
“Anyone interested in social gerontology will want this short edited volume on their bookshelves—for the references and for the substantive content of the chapters.”
Synopsis
We live in ageing societies. Age preoccupies governments as much as individuals. Most people reaching retirement no longer face a future of impoverishment and destitution. A new affluence has spread across society and across the life course. Instead of being concerned with the negative connotations of old age, this book acknowledges that for many people looking forward to retirement, later life has changed for the better. With this positive outcome for older people have come policy and social dilemmas for governments and individuals alike.
Drawing on a wide range of sources, this book examines the history of welfare states, the emergence of consumer society, the growth of individualization and the reconstitution of identity and community. The book argues that the third age, its origins, and its contradictions are central to understanding the future of our society.
Contexts of Ageing is certain to stimulate academic debate, but it is also appropriate for adoption on a range of courses. The book is written in a lively and accessible way, giving it appeal to upper-level undergraduates and postgraduates taking courses on ageing in sociology, social policy and health studies courses. Students and professionals working in the areas of nursing, health care and social gerontology will also find the book of interest.
Synopsis
Since the 1990s, long-term care policies have undergone significant transformations across OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. For some, these changes have responded to the introduction of major individual policy reforms, while in others transformations have come about through the accumulation of smaller policy changes. This book examines changes in long-term care systems occurring in OECD countries, discusses and compares key changes in national policies, examines the main successes and failures of recent reforms, and suggests possible policy strategies for the future.
Synopsis
Social Class in Later Life collects the latest research on class, culture, and agingexploring the relationship between them and offering a critical guide to the ways in which age and class relations intersect with each other. Bringing together a range of international scholars, Marvin Formosa and Paul Higgs develop a sophisticated, analytical, and empirical understanding of late-life class dynamics. It will be of interest to students and researchers examining the implications of global aging as well as scholars concerned with the development of a more critical and engaged gerontology.
Synopsis
The past fifteen years have seen longterm care policies in the countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) undergo substantial transformations, either through major policy reforms or through accumulated minor policy changes. This book brings together data from many OECD countries to compare key changes in national policies, examine the successes or failures of new approaches, and offer policy strategies for the future. Drawing on fifteen years of evidence and bringing together contributors from a number of perspectives throughout the OECD, it will be essential for those studying—or making—policy.
About the Author
Cristiano Gori is visiting senior fellow in the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the London School of Economics and Political Science and professor of social policy at the Catholic University in Milan.Jose-Luis Fernandez is deputy director and principal research fellow in the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the London School of Economics and Political Science and cochair of the International Long-Term Care Policy Network.Raphael Wittenberg is a principal research fellow in the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the London School of Economics and Political Science and deputy director of the Centre for Health Service Economics and Organisation at the University of Oxford.
Table of Contents
Introduction
~ Marvin Formosa and Paul Higgs
Social class structures and social mobility: the background context
~ Wendy Bottero
Ageing and class in a globalised world
~ Chris Phillipson
Measuring social class in later life
~ Alexandra Lopes
Social class, age and identity in later life
~ Martin Hyde and Ian Rees Jones
Class, pensions and old-age security
~ Elizangela Storelli and John Williamson
Class and health inequalities in later life
~ Ian Rees Jones and Paul Higgs
Class, care and caring
~ Christina Victor
Social work, class and later life
~ Trish Hafford-Letchfield
The changing significance of social class in later life
~ Marvin Formosa and Paul Higgs