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Ageing populations represent a key global challenge for the twenty-first century. Few areas of life will remain untouched by the accompanying changes to cultural, economic and social life. This book interrogates various understandings of ageing, and provides a critical assessment of attitudes and responses to the development of ageing societies, placing these in the context of a variety of historical and sociological debates. Written in a highly accessible style, this book examines a range of topics, including demographic change across high- and low-income countries, theories of social ageing, changing definitions of 'age', retirement trends, family and intergenerational relations, poverty and inequality, and health and social care in later life. The book also considers the key steps necessary in preparing for the social transformation which population ageing will bring. Ageing provides a fresh and original approach to a topic of central concern to students and scholars working in sociology, social policy and wider social science disciplines and the humanities.
Chris Phillipson is professor of sociology and social gerontology at the University of Manchester.
Acknowledgements vii 1 Introduction: Understanding Ageing 1 Part I Demographic and Social Dimensions of Ageing 9 2 Ageing Societies in a Global Perspective 11 3 Social Theories of Ageing 29 4 The Development of Ideas about Age and Ageing 53 5 The Social Construction of Ageing 70 Part II Inequalities and Divisions in Later Life 87 6 Ageing and Pensions: The Social Construction of Inequality 89 7 Families and Generational Change in Ageing Societies 109 8 'Late' Old Age 127 Part III New Pathways for Later Life 143 9 Preparing for Ageing Populations: Rebuilding Institutions 145 10 Conclusion: New Pathways for Later Life 166 Notes 178 References 181 Index 206
Show moreAgeing populations represent a key global challenge for the twenty-first century. Few areas of life will remain untouched by the accompanying changes to cultural, economic and social life. This book interrogates various understandings of ageing, and provides a critical assessment of attitudes and responses to the development of ageing societies, placing these in the context of a variety of historical and sociological debates. Written in a highly accessible style, this book examines a range of topics, including demographic change across high- and low-income countries, theories of social ageing, changing definitions of 'age', retirement trends, family and intergenerational relations, poverty and inequality, and health and social care in later life. The book also considers the key steps necessary in preparing for the social transformation which population ageing will bring. Ageing provides a fresh and original approach to a topic of central concern to students and scholars working in sociology, social policy and wider social science disciplines and the humanities.
Chris Phillipson is professor of sociology and social gerontology at the University of Manchester.
Acknowledgements vii 1 Introduction: Understanding Ageing 1 Part I Demographic and Social Dimensions of Ageing 9 2 Ageing Societies in a Global Perspective 11 3 Social Theories of Ageing 29 4 The Development of Ideas about Age and Ageing 53 5 The Social Construction of Ageing 70 Part II Inequalities and Divisions in Later Life 87 6 Ageing and Pensions: The Social Construction of Inequality 89 7 Families and Generational Change in Ageing Societies 109 8 'Late' Old Age 127 Part III New Pathways for Later Life 143 9 Preparing for Ageing Populations: Rebuilding Institutions 145 10 Conclusion: New Pathways for Later Life 166 Notes 178 References 181 Index 206
Show moreAcknowledgements vii
1 Introduction: Understanding Ageing 1
Part I Demographic and Social Dimensions of Ageing 9
2 Ageing Societies in a Global Perspective 11
3 Social Theories of Ageing 29
4 The Development of Ideas about Age and Ageing 53
5 The Social Construction of Ageing 70
Part II Inequalities and Divisions in Later Life 87
6 Ageing and Pensions: The Social Construction of Inequality 89
7 Families and Generational Change in Ageing Societies 109
8 'Late' Old Age 127
Part III New Pathways for Later Life 143
9 Preparing for Ageing Populations: Rebuilding Institutions 145
10 Conclusion: New Pathways for Later Life 166
Notes 178
References 181
Index 206
Chris Phillipson is professor of sociology and social gerontology at the University of Manchester.
"Written by a sociologist, one of our most prominent authoritieson ageing, this book provides a comprehensive and insightfuloverview of the key debates in the field." NursingTimes "Polity s key concepts book series focuses onhighly complex concepts, and this definitely holds forPhillipson s subject matter: ageing. The series is also meantto get to the heart of debates about the meaning and usage ofconcepts and, again, this book delivers. Phillipson provides aclear critical outline of crucial issues surrounding ageing. Thebook draws on historical developments, provides succinct overviewsof current situations and speculates on possible futures." Social Policy and Administration "Phillipson sets out to challenge the assumptions about ageing andprovide a systematic overview of the nature and development ofageing societies." Journal of Social Policy "Like other books in the series it provides a concise andinformative approach to concepts that have a high degree ofcomplexity surrounding them, getting to the heart of debates aboutmeaning and usage, this time in relation to ageing." Practice "A work of critical gerontology such as this has the benefit ofencouraging reflection and offering more questions than answers: anideal approach for teachers and students of gerontology." Canadian Journal on Aging "Chris Phillipson is one of our most prominent authoritieson ageing. In this book he provides a comprehensive and insightfuloverview of the key debates in the field, addressing both how weshould understand the phenomenon of ageing and also itsconsequences for an increasingly globalized world." Julia Twigg, University of Kent "In Ageing, Chris Phillipson explains and critiques socialscience contributions to understanding and moulding the way wethink about older people and population ageing. Foremost among itsmany merits are exceptional clarity and comprehensibility. Both newand long-term students of the field will profit greatly fromreading this book." Tony Warnes, University of Sheffield "Phillipson makes clear that the face of ageing is changing inresponse to wide-reaching currents sweeping around the globe. As isapparent throughout Ageing, the discussion of what is fairand appropriate is shifting as the political economic forces ofnational and international development redefine what it means togrow old. A real tour de force from an internationallyrecognized scholar." Joe Hendricks, Oregon State University "A key strength of this publication is the rich contextualbackground it provides, with welcome coverage of internationalvariations in ageing and thought-provoking suggestions on as to howinstitutions can successfully adapt to the changingdemographic" Journal of Ageing & Society
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