Sociology of Aging and Death

This book explores the social construction of aging and death, examining the impact of truth and discourse about aging on our experiences of death. It investigates the way in which groups and individuals employ specific representations of mortality to construct meaning and purpose for life and death. It also provides an investigation into the social construction of death practices across time and space, with special attention given to the notion of death as a socially accomplished phenomenon grounded in a unique sociological introduction to the meaning of death throughout history to the present. The purpose of the book is to critically inform debates concerning the abstract and empirical features of death examined through the lens of sociological perspectives. It advocates an alternative approach to aging that re-interprets aging for graduate schools and explores the concept, history, and theory of aging and its relationship to death in different countries, victims, crime, imprisonment, and institutional care.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into a critical analysis and examination of the major theories and social issues surrounding the social construction of aging and death. It explores the profound impact of death on our lives and investigates how our experiences of death are shaped by the roles that truth and discourse about aging play in our daily lives. A central theme of the book is an exploration of how groups and individuals utilize specific representations of mortality to construct meaning and purpose for life and death. To highlight this, the book conducts an in-depth investigation into the social construction of death practices across different time periods and geographical locations. Special attention is given to the notion of death as a socially accomplished phenomenon, grounded in a unique sociological introduction to the meaning of death throughout history to the present.

The primary purpose of this book is to provide a critical and informed perspective on debates concerning the abstract and empirical features of death, examined through the lens of sociological perspectives. By advocating for an alternative approach, the book seeks to re-interpret aging for graduate schools and offer a fresh perspective on the concept, history, and theory of aging and its relationship to death. Traditionally, many books have focused on older people dying of natural causes, employing a biomedical explanatory framework. However, this book goes beyond that, exploring alternative social theories and experiences with aging and their relationship to death in various countries, among different victims, in the context of crime, imprisonment, and institutional care.

One of the key insights of this book is its recognition that deaths associated with aging and other social factors are not inevitable. It raises important questions about the factors that contribute to these deaths and proposes solutions to address them. The book offers a wealth of examples and case studies to illustrate its points and provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. It will be of immense value to graduate students and researchers in the fields of sociology, social policy, and aging studies. By offering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, this book provides a valuable resource for those seeking to explore the social construction of aging and death and its implications for our society.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031193286
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022