Ageing, Austerity, and Neoliberalism: Lived Experiences of Older People in a De-Industrialised Town

This book explores the effects of neoliberalism and austerity on older people in a deindustrialized town, using a Foucauldian approach and ethnographic methodology. It develops a mid-range theory of change to highlight how older people negotiate national transformations at the everyday level. Key themes include the recreation of human subjectivity, anti-welfarism, stigma, exclusion, working-class fragmentation, and nostalgia. The book is valuable for scholars and students in social sciences, aging and older people, community studies, and postgraduates conducting applied research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of neoliberalism and austerity on older people residing in a deindustrialized town, employing a Foucauldian approach and an ethnographic methodology. Its primary objective is to bridge the gap between high sociological theory and a research focus on older people, thereby contributing to the field of social sciences. The book explores the intricate relationship between the micro (real individuals within a specific place) and the macro (abstract processes), shedding light on how older individuals navigate national transformations on a daily basis.

Key themes within this book include the recreation of human subjectivity, the rejection of anti-aging sentiments, the stigmatization and exclusion of the poor, the fragmentation of the working class, and nostalgia. To enhance our understanding and knowledge of the social sciences, the book introduces innovative terms such as "stigma-adaptation" and "abnormal abnormality," which aim to highlight the injustices perpetuated by current global processes and inform transformative change.

This book appeals to scholars and students across various social science disciplines, including those interested in inequalities in the modern world, neoliberalism and the economy, social theory, aging and older people, and community studies. It is also valuable for policymakers and service providers who seek to gain insights into the experiences of older individuals and develop effective strategies to address their needs.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032212395