Shaping Ageing: Social Transformations and Enduring Meanings

This volume explores the complex and multifaceted aspects of aging, considering how social transformations impact experiences, perceptions, and representations. It brings together international scholarly work from various disciplines, offering cross-cultural and comparative studies that challenge generalizations and reductivism. The book appeals to scholars in social sciences, particularly sociology, gerontology, demography, social policy, and cultural studies, with interests in aging and later life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the multifaceted and often conflicting aspects of aging, exploring how contemporary social transformations shape the experience, perception, interpretation, and representation of aging. Organized thematically, it brings together the latest scholarly insights from across the globe to examine theories and narratives surrounding aging and the impact of space and place on identity and the experience of old age. By combining micro and macro perspectives, as well as theoretical and applied research, this interdisciplinary volume offers cross-cultural and comparative studies that eschew overgeneralization and reductivism, aiming to shed new light on our understanding, attitudes, and responses to aging in the modern world. As such, it will appeal to scholars from various social sciences, including sociology, gerontology, demography, social policy, and cultural studies, with a keen interest in aging and later life.

The first section of the book explores the theoretical frameworks and perspectives on aging, examining how social, cultural, and individual factors contribute to the construction of age identities and the experiences of older individuals. The authors analyze the interplay between ageism, stereotypes, and discrimination and their impact on the well-being and social participation of older people. They also explore the role of social policies and institutions in shaping the aging experience and the challenges faced by marginalized and vulnerable older populations.

The second section examines the experiences of aging across different cultures and societies. The authors explore how cultural norms, values, and beliefs shape the perception and treatment of older people, as well as how these experiences vary across different geographic regions and social classes. They also examine the impact of globalization, migration, and transnationalism on aging and the ways in which these processes shape the experiences of older individuals and their families.

The third section focuses on the role of technology and digital media in aging. The authors explore how technology is transforming the way we communicate, connect, and engage with others, particularly older people. They examine the benefits and challenges of technology-mediated aging, such as the use of social media, online communities, and telehealth services, as well as the potential risks and harms associated with technology use.

The fourth section examines the impact of space and place on aging. The authors explore how physical environments, such as homes, neighborhoods, and healthcare facilities, shape the experiences of older people and their ability to age well. They also examine the role of urbanization, suburbanization, and ruralization on aging and the ways in which these processes affect social isolation, mobility, and access to resources.

The final section of the book explores the intersection of aging and other social identities, such as gender, race, and sexuality. The authors examine how these social identities intersect with the aging experience and how they contribute to the experiences of marginalized and vulnerable older populations. They also explore the ways in which older individuals can advocate for their rights and promote social change to address the challenges they face.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of aging, providing a rich understanding of the complex and multifaceted aspects of this life stage. By bringing together the latest scholarly work from across the globe, it offers valuable insights into the theories, narratives, and experiences of aging, as well as the effects of space and place on identity and the experience of old age. As such, it will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working in the fields of aging, gerontology, social policy, and cultural studies.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367495954