Aging and Society - Böcker

The dominant narratives of both science and popular culture typically define aging and human development as self-contained individual matters, failing to recognize the degree to which they are shaped by experiential and contextual contingencies. Our understandings of age are thereby "boxed in" and constricted by assumptions of "normality" and naturalness that limit our capacities to explore possible alternative experiences of development and aging, and the conditions – both individual and social – that might foster such experiences.Combining foundational principles of critical social science with recent breakthroughs in research across disciplines ranging from biology to economics, this book offers a scientifically and humanly expanded landscape for apprehending the life course. Rejecting familiar but false dichotomies such as "nature vs. nurture" and "structure vs. agency", it clarifies the organismic fundamentals that make the actual content of experience so centrally important in age and development, and it also explores why attention to these fundamentals has been so resisted in studies of individuals and individual change, and in policy and practice as well.In presenting the basic principles and reviewing the current state of knowledge, Dale Dannefer introduces multi-levelled social processes that shape human development and aging over the life course and age as a cultural phenomenon – organizing his approach around three key frontiers of inquiry that each invite a vigorous exercise of sociological imagination: the Social-Structural Frontier, the Biosocial Frontier and the Critical-Reflexive Frontier.

The dominant narratives of both science and popular culture typically define aging and human development as self-contained individual matters, failing to recognize the degree to which they are shaped by experiential and contextual contingencies. Our understandings of age are thereby "boxed in" and constricted by assumptions of "normality" and naturalness that limit our capacities to explore possible alternative experiences of development and aging, and the conditions – both individual and social – that might foster such experiences.Combining foundational principles of critical social science with recent breakthroughs in research across disciplines ranging from biology to economics, this book offers a scientifically and humanly expanded landscape for apprehending the life course. Rejecting familiar but false dichotomies such as "nature vs. nurture" and "structure vs. agency", it clarifies the organismic fundamentals that make the actual content of experience so centrally important in age and development, and it also explores why attention to these fundamentals has been so resisted in studies of individuals and individual change, and in policy and practice as well.In presenting the basic principles and reviewing the current state of knowledge, Dale Dannefer introduces multi-levelled social processes that shape human development and aging over the life course and age as a cultural phenomenon – organizing his approach around three key frontiers of inquiry that each invite a vigorous exercise of sociological imagination: the Social-Structural Frontier, the Biosocial Frontier and the Critical-Reflexive Frontier.

As the 21st Century unfolds, the traditional welfare state that evolved during the 20th Century 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, 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 gaps in income, power, and privilege that they perceive between themselves and highly educated and cosmopolitan business, academic, and political elites. When Strangers Become Family examines the potential role of civil society organizations in guaranteeing the rights and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, paying particular attention to their role in advocacy for and service delivery to older people. The book includes a discussion of the origins and functions of this sector that focuses 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 ask 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.

When systems fail people from birth to death, democracy itself is at risk.In RAGEism, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings reveals the hidden architecture of systemic injustice that has shaped American policy for generations. Using the term “Rageism” to describe how racism and ageism intersect, she exposes the deliberate policy choices that disadvantage African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and marginalized Asian communities throughout their entire lives, while also discussing how these same decisions also entrap millions of low-income white Americans in cycles of economic and health insecurity.From the Flint water crisis to COVID-19's disproportionate impact, and from predatory mortgage practices to Social Security privatization schemes—Dr. Cummings connects the dots between seemingly separate crises to reveal a pattern of structural discrimination that undermines both individual lives and democratic institutions.Drawing on her experience as a Congressional staffer, policy strategist, and advocate, she weaves compelling case studies with personal insights to show why these aren't just “other people's problems”—they threaten the foundations of American democracy itself. But RAGEism goes beyond exposing the problem. Dr. Cummings offers a bold vision for Liberation Democracy—a transformative framework for dismantling discriminatory systems and building a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Her roadmap includes a concrete policy framework that could create the conditions for genuine prosperity and security across all communities.This isn’t just analysis—it’s a call to action. Whether you're a policymaker, educator, advocate, or concerned citizen, RAGEism will challenge your assumptions about how America works and equip you with the knowledge to help build the democracy we need.

As the 21st Century unfolds, the traditional welfare state that evolved during the 20th Century 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, 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 gaps in income, power, and privilege that they perceive between themselves and highly educated and cosmopolitan business, academic, and political elites. When Strangers Become Family examines the potential role of civil society organizations in guaranteeing the rights and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, paying particular attention to their role in advocacy for and service delivery to older people. The book includes a discussion of the origins and functions of this sector that focuses 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 ask 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.

Ageing in Place in Urban Environments considers together two major trends influencing economic and social life: population ageing on the one side and urbanisation on the other.Both have been identified as dominant demographic trends of the twenty-first century. Cities are where the majority of people of all ages now live and where they will spend their old age. Nevertheless, cities are typically imagined and structured with a younger, working-age population in mind while older people are rarely incorporated into the mainstream of thinking and planning around urban environments. Cities can contribute to vulnerability arising from high levels of population turnover, environmental problems, gentrification, and reduced availability of affordable housing. However, they can also provide innovative forms of support and services essential to promoting the quality of life of older people. Policies in Europe have emphasised the role of the local environment in promoting “ageing in place”, a term used to describe the goal of helping people to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as they wish. However, while this has been the dominant approach, the places in which older people are ageing have often proved to be challenging environments. The book explores the forces behind these developments and how older people have responded.Drawing upon approaches from social gerontology, urban studies, geography, and sociology, this book will be essential reading for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners searching for innovative ways to improve the lives of older people living in urban environments.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.

Ageing in Place in Urban Environments considers together two major trends influencing economic and social life: population ageing on the one side and urbanisation on the other.Both have been identified as dominant demographic trends of the twenty-first century. Cities are where the majority of people of all ages now live and where they will spend their old age. Nevertheless, cities are typically imagined and structured with a younger, working-age population in mind while older people are rarely incorporated into the mainstream of thinking and planning around urban environments. Cities can contribute to vulnerability arising from high levels of population turnover, environmental problems, gentrification, and reduced availability of affordable housing. However, they can also provide innovative forms of support and services essential to promoting the quality of life of older people. Policies in Europe have emphasised the role of the local environment in promoting “ageing in place”, a term used to describe the goal of helping people to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as they wish. However, while this has been the dominant approach, the places in which older people are ageing have often proved to be challenging environments. The book explores the forces behind these developments and how older people have responded.Drawing upon approaches from social gerontology, urban studies, geography, and sociology, this book will be essential reading for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners searching for innovative ways to improve the lives of older people living in urban environments.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons [Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND)] 4.0 license.

This book develops a care justice framework to critique and disrupt current policies and reframe a policy blueprint for elevating a just organization of care for unpaid family caregivers and underpaid home care workers assisting older adults. In doing so, Hooyman invites readers to envision a society that fully values the essential work of care.The book is distinctive in its analysis of the interrelationships among both types of care laborers, who often face structural constraints on their decision to care and whose work is devalued and marginalized. Their care work affects every member of society, but it is generally invisible to others, and its economic value is rarely recognized by policymakers. How care work is organized and unrewarded typically has the most financial, physical, and emotional costs for women, people of color, and immigrants across the life course. Inequities for care workers by race, immigrant status, class, and sexual orientation are rooted in systemic racism, sexism, classism, xenophobia, and homophobia. In this book, policy priorities and change strategies are reframed to attain the six core components of a care justice framework, which include fundamental structural changes to elevate care work, ensure meaningful choice to care, and reduce systemic inequities faced by care workers. This framework is informed by feminism, Black feminism, intersectionality, and care theory. By conceptualizing care justice, the author aims to stimulate new discourse and action related to the care of older adults – the most important work in society – and make the seemingly unattainable attainable.This timely book will be salient to anyone committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and with an interest in policy, gerontology, disability studies, ethnic studies, feminist studies, social justice, social work, and social welfare.

This book develops a care justice framework to critique and disrupt current policies and reframe a policy blueprint for elevating a just organization of care for unpaid family caregivers and underpaid home care workers assisting older adults. In doing so, Hooyman invites readers to envision a society that fully values the essential work of care.The book is distinctive in its analysis of the interrelationships among both types of care laborers, who often face structural constraints on their decision to care and whose work is devalued and marginalized. Their care work affects every member of society, but it is generally invisible to others, and its economic value is rarely recognized by policymakers. How care work is organized and unrewarded typically has the most financial, physical, and emotional costs for women, people of color, and immigrants across the life course. Inequities for care workers by race, immigrant status, class, and sexual orientation are rooted in systemic racism, sexism, classism, xenophobia, and homophobia. In this book, policy priorities and change strategies are reframed to attain the six core components of a care justice framework, which include fundamental structural changes to elevate care work, ensure meaningful choice to care, and reduce systemic inequities faced by care workers. This framework is informed by feminism, Black feminism, intersectionality, and care theory. By conceptualizing care justice, the author aims to stimulate new discourse and action related to the care of older adults – the most important work in society – and make the seemingly unattainable attainable.This timely book will be salient to anyone committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and with an interest in policy, gerontology, disability studies, ethnic studies, feminist studies, social justice, social work, and social welfare.

This book offers a unique multigenerational approach to saving Social Security. Public programs have adapted to societal aging, but fears overwhelm hopes for Social Security’s future prospects. Conservatives want to privatize operations that liberals seek to expand. Younger workers are happy that Social Security protects their elders, but most do not expect benefits when needed. Achenbaum reframes conflicting perspectives and offers new models of respectful transgenerational dialogue that can mobilize pragmatic reforms. Designed for use in gerontology, social work, and public policy courses, Safeguarding Social Security for Future Generations offers measured hope for leaving a legacy that safeguards the common good.

This book offers a unique multigenerational approach to saving Social Security. Public programs have adapted to societal aging, but fears overwhelm hopes for Social Security’s future prospects. Conservatives want to privatize operations that liberals seek to expand. Younger workers are happy that Social Security protects their elders, but most do not expect benefits when needed. Achenbaum reframes conflicting perspectives and offers new models of respectful transgenerational dialogue that can mobilize pragmatic reforms. Designed for use in gerontology, social work, and public policy courses, Safeguarding Social Security for Future Generations offers measured hope for leaving a legacy that safeguards the common good.

Climate Change in an Aging Society is the first book fully devoted to the impact of climate change on those who are old today—and those who will be old in decades to come. In doing so, Moody focuses on issues of critical importance: aging in place; health and age in a warming world; responsibility for the climate crisis; options for climate-conscious consumers; planning for investment for a green retirement; and opportunities for political action.The number of Americans aged over 65 is projected to rise from 17% to 21%. By 2060 nearly one in four Americans will be 65 or older. By 2050, however, average temperatures in the USA could rise by as much as 3°C, and extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent and severe. Despite these alarming projections and the likelihood that climate change will cause serious health issues among the elderly, little attention has been devoted to the impact of climate change on this demographic. Employing a life-course perspective and a cross-generational approach, Moody assesses the impact of climate change on those who are old today and those who will be old in years to come. Challenging both climate complacency and climate defeatism, the book adopts as its clarion call, HERE NOW YOU HOPE.Written in an engaging personal style with highlighting case studies of influential "eco-elders," this urgent book will be of great interest to students and scholars with interests in climate change, gerontology, and environmental and social policy.

Climate Change in an Aging Society is the first book fully devoted to the impact of climate change on those who are old today—and those who will be old in decades to come. In doing so, Moody focuses on issues of critical importance: aging in place; health and age in a warming world; responsibility for the climate crisis; options for climate-conscious consumers; planning for investment for a green retirement; and opportunities for political action.The number of Americans aged over 65 is projected to rise from 17% to 21%. By 2060 nearly one in four Americans will be 65 or older. By 2050, however, average temperatures in the USA could rise by as much as 3°C, and extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent and severe. Despite these alarming projections and the likelihood that climate change will cause serious health issues among the elderly, little attention has been devoted to the impact of climate change on this demographic. Employing a life-course perspective and a cross-generational approach, Moody assesses the impact of climate change on those who are old today and those who will be old in years to come. Challenging both climate complacency and climate defeatism, the book adopts as its clarion call, HERE NOW YOU HOPE.Written in an engaging personal style with highlighting case studies of influential "eco-elders," this urgent book will be of great interest to students and scholars with interests in climate change, gerontology, and environmental and social policy.

Why Place Matters reassesses what is known and traditionally understood about the relationship older adults have with place over time and in later life. Building from notions that affirm there is no single "right" place to age or grow older, Joyce Weil fixes her analytical focus on older adults’ agency in assessing place, the ways a person's fit in a place evolves over time, and the complexity and nuance of how older adults derive and also attach meanings to place. Even in the presence of a rich literature and ongoing body of research on older adults and their relationship to place, this book argues for more attention to be paid to the ways in which the interaction of person and place is fluid and dependent on personal and individual circumstances as well as societal and structural ones. Drawing upon theoretical explanations and quantitative models, including the author's own integrated measure, and a range of lived experiences and personal accounts of place, this book unpacks and broadens the meanings ascribed to place in later life. Readers across the fields of gerontology, sociology, geography, planning, and health and social care will find a fresh perspective and truly innovative and comprehensive way of thinking about place and aging.

Why Place Matters reassesses what is known and traditionally understood about the relationship older adults have with place over time and in later life. Building from notions that affirm there is no single "right" place to age or grow older, Joyce Weil fixes her analytical focus on older adults’ agency in assessing place, the ways a person's fit in a place evolves over time, and the complexity and nuance of how older adults derive and also attach meanings to place. Even in the presence of a rich literature and ongoing body of research on older adults and their relationship to place, this book argues for more attention to be paid to the ways in which the interaction of person and place is fluid and dependent on personal and individual circumstances as well as societal and structural ones. Drawing upon theoretical explanations and quantitative models, including the author's own integrated measure, and a range of lived experiences and personal accounts of place, this book unpacks and broadens the meanings ascribed to place in later life. Readers across the fields of gerontology, sociology, geography, planning, and health and social care will find a fresh perspective and truly innovative and comprehensive way of thinking about place and aging.

Long Lives Are for the Rich is the title of a silent ominous program that affects the lives of millions of people. In all developed countries disadvantaged and, especially, poor people die much earlier than the most advantaged. During these shorter lives they suffer ten to twenty years longer from disabilities or chronic disease. This does not happen accidentally: health inequalities – including those between healthy and unhealthy life styles – are mainly caused by social inequalities that are reproduced over the life course. This crucial function of the life course has become painfully visible during its neoliberal reorganization since the early 1980s. Studies about aging over the life course, from birth to death, show the inhumane consequences as people get older. In spite of the enormous wealth that has been piled up in the US for a dwindling percentage of the population, there has been growing public indifference about the needs of those in jobs with low pay and high stress, but also about citizens from a broad middle class who can hardly afford high quality education or healthcare. However, this ominous program affects all: recent mortality rates show that all Americans, including the rich, are unhealthier and dying earlier than citizens of other developed countries. Moreover, the underlying social inequalities are tearing the population apart with nasty consequences for all citizens, including the rich. Although the public awareness of the consequences has been growing, neoliberal policies remain tempting for the economic and political elites of the developed world because of the enormous wealth that is flowing to the top. All this poses urgent questions of social justice. Unfortunately, the predominant studies of social justice along the life course help to reproduce these inequalities by neglecting them. This book analyzes the main dynamics of social inequality over the life course and proposes a theory of social justice that sketches a way forward for a country that is willing to invest in its greatest resource: the creative potential of its population.

Long Lives Are for the Rich is the title of a silent ominous program that affects the lives of millions of people. In all developed countries disadvantaged and, especially, poor people die much earlier than the most advantaged. During these shorter lives they suffer ten to twenty years longer from disabilities or chronic disease. This does not happen accidentally: health inequalities – including those between healthy and unhealthy life styles – are mainly caused by social inequalities that are reproduced over the life course. This crucial function of the life course has become painfully visible during its neoliberal reorganization since the early 1980s. Studies about aging over the life course, from birth to death, show the inhumane consequences as people get older. In spite of the enormous wealth that has been piled up in the US for a dwindling percentage of the population, there has been growing public indifference about the needs of those in jobs with low pay and high stress, but also about citizens from a broad middle class who can hardly afford high quality education or healthcare. However, this ominous program affects all: recent mortality rates show that all Americans, including the rich, are unhealthier and dying earlier than citizens of other developed countries. Moreover, the underlying social inequalities are tearing the population apart with nasty consequences for all citizens, including the rich. Although the public awareness of the consequences has been growing, neoliberal policies remain tempting for the economic and political elites of the developed world because of the enormous wealth that is flowing to the top. All this poses urgent questions of social justice. Unfortunately, the predominant studies of social justice along the life course help to reproduce these inequalities by neglecting them. This book analyzes the main dynamics of social inequality over the life course and proposes a theory of social justice that sketches a way forward for a country that is willing to invest in its greatest resource: the creative potential of its population.

Latino Families in Later Life is a comprehensive look at the issues, dilemmas, and conditions faced by older Latinos and their caregivers, with salient consideration given to key changes shaping the need for assistance and the availability of support.Jacqueline L. Angel and Sunshine Rote address a nascent caregiving crisis at a time when an aging population is set to outnumber younger adults in the United States. Though many older adults in need of care currently receive support from family members, friends, and neighbors, demographic trends portend such kin-based forms of care may not be as readily available in the future. Against this backdrop, the authors examine the caregiving experience broadly, as one shaped by cultural values, economic conditions, and structural inequities. Focusing on Latinos and Latino families in particular, the book attends to key transitions such as migration, the onset of health conditions, and changes in living arrangements, revealing culturally specific forms of resilience and engagement among caregivers and care recipients—and also significant challenges. As demographic, social, and financial circumstances change and pressures mount, the authors advocate for a “new caregiver paradigm” reflecting a supportive and sustainable ecology that is culturally responsive and essential for long-term care routes in the United States.With important revelations about the dual experiences of older adults and those who care for them, Latino Families in Later Life is insightful reading for students, scholars, and advocates interested in aging, health, family support, and care work.

Latino Families in Later Life is a comprehensive look at the issues, dilemmas, and conditions faced by older Latinos and their caregivers, with salient consideration given to key changes shaping the need for assistance and the availability of support.Jacqueline L. Angel and Sunshine Rote address a nascent caregiving crisis at a time when an aging population is set to outnumber younger adults in the United States. Though many older adults in need of care currently receive support from family members, friends, and neighbors, demographic trends portend such kin-based forms of care may not be as readily available in the future. Against this backdrop, the authors examine the caregiving experience broadly, as one shaped by cultural values, economic conditions, and structural inequities. Focusing on Latinos and Latino families in particular, the book attends to key transitions such as migration, the onset of health conditions, and changes in living arrangements, revealing culturally specific forms of resilience and engagement among caregivers and care recipients—and also significant challenges. As demographic, social, and financial circumstances change and pressures mount, the authors advocate for a “new caregiver paradigm” reflecting a supportive and sustainable ecology that is culturally responsive and essential for long-term care routes in the United States.With important revelations about the dual experiences of older adults and those who care for them, Latino Families in Later Life is insightful reading for students, scholars, and advocates interested in aging, health, family support, and care work.

When systems fail people from birth to death, democracy itself is at risk.In RAGEism, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings reveals the hidden architecture of systemic injustice that has shaped American policy for generations. Using the term “Rageism” to describe how racism and ageism intersect, she exposes the deliberate policy choices that disadvantage African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and marginalized Asian communities throughout their entire lives, while also discussing how these same decisions also entrap millions of low-income white Americans in cycles of economic and health insecurity.From the Flint water crisis to COVID-19's disproportionate impact, and from predatory mortgage practices to Social Security privatization schemes—Dr. Cummings connects the dots between seemingly separate crises to reveal a pattern of structural discrimination that undermines both individual lives and democratic institutions.Drawing on her experience as a Congressional staffer, policy strategist, and advocate, she weaves compelling case studies with personal insights to show why these aren't just “other people's problems”—they threaten the foundations of American democracy itself. But RAGEism goes beyond exposing the problem. Dr. Cummings offers a bold vision for Liberation Democracy—a transformative framework for dismantling discriminatory systems and building a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Her roadmap includes a concrete policy framework that could create the conditions for genuine prosperity and security across all communities.This isn’t just analysis—it’s a call to action. Whether you're a policymaker, educator, advocate, or concerned citizen, RAGEism will challenge your assumptions about how America works and equip you with the knowledge to help build the democracy we need.

The United States spends substantially more on health care than other wealthy nations, yet it has poorer health outcomes. The Road to Medicare for All: A Call to Action analyzes the dysfunction of the current system and sets forth the solution.With the question of healthcare at a pivotal juncture, this book provides a roadmap towards making healthcare a right, not a privilege. It inoculates readers against the arguments and tactics used by the monied interests to defeat a single-payer system. The Road to Medicare for All explains that the nation was heading in the right direction until the monied interests drove the nation onto the road we are now on. The book details how the nation can get back on track and finally reach the destination of universal, single-payer health insurance. Nancy J. Altman puts forward a call to action for every American and spotlights how the American people are united in their readiness to improve Medicare and expand it to everyone.Written by a national leader in research and advocacy, this book is highly informative to experts and the general public alike. It is essential reading for students of medical sociology, aging and gerontology, health policy, public health, the politics of US health care, public administration, and political science.

The United States spends substantially more on health care than other wealthy nations, yet it has poorer health outcomes. The Road to Medicare for All: A Call to Action analyzes the dysfunction of the current system and sets forth the solution.With the question of healthcare at a pivotal juncture, this book provides a roadmap towards making healthcare a right, not a privilege. It inoculates readers against the arguments and tactics used by the monied interests to defeat a single-payer system. The Road to Medicare for All explains that the nation was heading in the right direction until the monied interests drove the nation onto the road we are now on. The book details how the nation can get back on track and finally reach the destination of universal, single-payer health insurance. Nancy J. Altman puts forward a call to action for every American and spotlights how the American people are united in their readiness to improve Medicare and expand it to everyone.Written by a national leader in research and advocacy, this book is highly informative to experts and the general public alike. It is essential reading for students of medical sociology, aging and gerontology, health policy, public health, the politics of US health care, public administration, and political science.

Nursing homes are where some of the most vulnerable live and work. In too many homes, the conditions of work make it difficult to make care as good as it can be. For the last eight years an international team from Germany, Sweden, Norway, the UK, the US and Canada have been searching for promising practices that treat residents, families and staff with dignity and respect in ways that can also bring joy. While we did find ideas worth sharing, we also saw a disturbing trend toward privatization.Privatization is the process of moving away not only from public delivery and public payment for health services but also from a commitment to shared responsibility, democratic decision-making, and the idea that the public sector operates according to a logic of service to all.This book documents moves toward privatization in the six countries and their consequences for families, staff, residents, and, eventually, us all. None of the countries has escaped pressure from powerful forces in and outside government pushing for privatization in all its forms. However, the wide variations in the extent and nature of privatization indicate privatization is not inevitable and our research shows there are alternatives.

Nursing homes are where some of the most vulnerable live and work. In too many homes, the conditions of work make it difficult to make care as good as it can be. For the last eight years an international team from Germany, Sweden, Norway, the UK, the US and Canada have been searching for promising practices that treat residents, families and staff with dignity and respect in ways that can also bring joy. While we did find ideas worth sharing, we also saw a disturbing trend toward privatization.Privatization is the process of moving away not only from public delivery and public payment for health services but also from a commitment to shared responsibility, democratic decision-making, and the idea that the public sector operates according to a logic of service to all.This book documents moves toward privatization in the six countries and their consequences for families, staff, residents, and, eventually, us all. None of the countries has escaped pressure from powerful forces in and outside government pushing for privatization in all its forms. However, the wide variations in the extent and nature of privatization indicate privatization is not inevitable and our research shows there are alternatives.

This provocative, intellectually charged treatise serves as a concise introduction to emancipatory gerontology, examining multiple dimensions of persistent and hotly debated topics around aging, the life course, the roles of power, politics and partisanship, culture, economics, and communications. Critical perspectives are presented as definitions for reader understanding, with links to concepts of identity, knowledge construction, social networks, social movements, and inequalities. With today’s intensifying concentration of wealth and corporatization, precarity is the fate for growing numbers of the world’s population. Intersectionality as an analytic concept offers a new appreciation of how social advantage and disadvantage accumulate, and how constructions of race, ethnicity, class, ability, and gender influence aging.The book’s entries offer a bibliographic compendium, crediting the salience of early pioneering theorists and locating these within the cutting-edge of research (social, behavioral, policy, and gene–environment sciences) that currently advances our understandings of human development, trauma, and resilience. Accompanying these foundations are theories of resistance for advancing human rights and the dignity of marginalized populations.