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Emancipation in old age-a working definition and its challenges.
1Exeter College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
The Gerontologist
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Emancipatory gerontology research needs clearer definitions. This study proposes a working definition for "emancipation in old age" and examines its application in existing studies, aiming for conceptual clarity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Sciences
- Critical Gerontology
Background:
- The concept of emancipatory gerontology is increasingly referenced in academic discourse.
- This rise is linked to the growing popularity of participatory research paradigms in social sciences.
- However, the term 'emancipation' is often used without a clear definition or theoretical grounding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the conceptual ambiguity surrounding "emancipation" in gerontological research.
- To propose a working definition for "emancipation in old age."
- To examine the application of this definition in existing gerontological studies and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the term "emancipation."
- Development of a preliminary working definition for "emancipation in old age."
- Review and analysis of selected gerontological research examples to assess the proposed definition.
Main Results:
- The study identifies a lack of clear definitions for "emancipation" in current gerontological literature.
- A preliminary working definition of "emancipation in old age" is proposed.
- Existing research examples are analyzed to illustrate the elements of this definition.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for a more precise and theoretically grounded understanding of "emancipation in old age."
- The proposed working definition offers a framework for conceptual development and potential operationalization.
- Further research is needed to refine and advance the concept of "emancipation in old age."
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