The Family Life of Old People: An Inquiry in East London

The Family Life of Old People, published in 1957, explores the lives of older people in Bethnal Green, East London, and their relationships with their families. It reveals that most people are members of extended families, often living separately, and discusses the social problems of old age in this context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1957, The Family Life of Old People delves into the intriguing question of whether older individuals are disconnected from their families. The author then proceeds to present the findings of extensive interviews conducted with individuals of pensionable age residing in Bethnal Green, East London. Part one of the book reveals that the majority of people belong to tightly-knit extended families spanning three generations, frequently residing in separate households located in adjacent streets. The life of these families is captivating, and the author meticulously analyzes the social structure of the home, the family care system, and the intricate domestic, economic, and social relationships between husbands and wives, as well as between older people and their children, brothers, and sisters. Part two of the book takes a deeper dive into the social challenges faced by older individuals within this context. This book holds immense interest for students of sociology and gerontology.

Weight: 716g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032560069