When Strangers Become Family: The Role of Civil Society in Addressing the Needs of Aging Populations

The traditional welfare state faces threats to solidarity due to the rise of populist and nationalist parties. Strangers Become Family examines the role of civil society organizations in advocating for and servicing vulnerable groups, particularly older people. The book discusses the origins and functions of this sector, focusing on the relationship between the state and non-governmental organizations in Mexico.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 258 pages
\n Publication date: 30 September 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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As the 21st century progresses, the traditional welfare state that emerged during the 20th century faces significant challenges to the solidarity that social programs were intended to foster. The rise of populist and nationalist parties signifies the decline of a sense of belonging and inclusiveness that mass education and economic progress were meant to promote, as traditional politics and parties are rejected by working- and middle-class individuals who were previously their staunchest supporters. Increasingly, these groups reject the growing disparities in income, power, and privilege that they perceive between themselves and highly educated and cosmopolitan business, academic, and political elites.

When Strangers Become Family explores the potential role of civil society organizations in ensuring the rights and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, with a particular focus on their role in advocacy for and service delivery to older people. The book includes a discussion of the origins and functions of this sector, focusing on the relationship between the state and non-governmental organizations, as well as a close examination of Mexico, a middle-income nation with a rapidly aging population and limited state welfare for older people. The data reveals important aspects of the relationship among government actors, civil society organizations, and political parties. Ronald Angel and Verónica Montes-de-Oca Zavala raise the fundamental question about the extent to which civil society organizations represent a potential mechanism whereby vulnerable individuals can join together to further their own interests and exercise their individual and group autonomy.

The decline of a sense of belonging and inclusiveness can be attributed to various factors, including the globalization of the economy, the rise of technology, and the changing demographics of society. While mass education and economic progress have created opportunities for individuals to achieve success and prosperity, they have also led to the erosion of traditional social structures and values. The growing gaps in income, power, and privilege have created a sense of resentment and frustration among many working- and middle-class individuals, who feel that they are being left behind by the elite.

Populist and nationalist parties capitalize on these feelings of resentment and frustration by promising to restore a sense of pride and identity to their supporters. They often appeal to traditional values and beliefs, such as nationalism, religion, and social conservatism, to gain support. These parties also often promise to address the concerns of working- and middle-class individuals, such as job security, healthcare, and education.

However, the promises made by these parties are often hollow and unrealistic, and they often fail to address the root causes of the decline of social programs. Instead, they often exacerbate the divisions in society and promote a sense of hostility and resentment.

One of the key challenges facing civil society organizations is the need to find a balance between advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups and promoting social cohesion. While civil society organizations can play a vital role in ensuring the rights and needs of vulnerable groups, they can also contribute to social divisions and tensions. Therefore, it is important for civil society organizations to engage with all stakeholders, including government actors, political parties, and the general public, to find solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.

Another challenge facing civil society organizations is the need to ensure that their services are accessible and affordable to all members of society. While civil society organizations can provide valuable services to vulnerable groups, they may not be able to reach all members of society due to limited resources and funding. Therefore, it is important for civil society organizations to collaborate with government actors and other stakeholders to find ways to increase their capacity and reach.

In conclusion, as the 21st century unfolds, the traditional welfare state faces serious threats to the solidarity that social programs were meant to strengthen. The rise of populist and nationalist parties reflects the decline of a sense of belonging and inclusiveness that mass education and economic progress were meant to foster. However, civil society organizations can play a vital role in ensuring the rights and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. By engaging with all stakeholders and finding sustainable solutions, civil society organizations can help to promote social cohesion and ensure that all members of society have access to the services they need.

\n Weight: 398g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367459994\n \n