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Cultural aspects of ageing: gender and inter-generational issues
1Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, King's College, London, England.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|September 1, 1996
Summary
This review examines how 20th-century demographic shifts impacted older adults in industrialized nations, highlighting evolving work, family structures, and ageism. Future transitions in developing countries may present different challenges for the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Demography
- Gerontology
Background:
- The 20th century witnessed significant demographic transitions in industrialized European and North American societies.
- These transitions involved profound economic, social, and political changes impacting all age groups, particularly older individuals.
- Historical context reveals that while ageism is not new, there is increased awareness of its detrimental effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the economic, social, and political developments accompanying the 20th-century demographic transition.
- To analyze the implications of these developments for older people in industrialized societies.
- To compare the likely experiences of older adults in developing nations undergoing demographic transition with those in historical European contexts.
Main Methods:
- Broad review of historical economic, social, and political developments.
- Analysis of changes in work patterns, women's roles, and family/household structures.
- Comparative approach considering developed and developing societies' demographic transitions.
Main Results:
- Industrialized societies experienced shifts in work, family structures, and women's roles during demographic transition.
- Increased consciousness regarding the negative impacts of ageist expressions on older populations.
- Developing societies' current demographic transitions, with varied economic and family systems, suggest distinct future experiences for their older adults compared to Europe's past.
Conclusions:
- Demographic transitions fundamentally alter the social and economic landscape, with significant consequences for the elderly.
- Awareness of ageism is growing, but its manifestations and impacts continue to evolve.
- The trajectory of older adults' lives in developing nations during their demographic transition will likely differ markedly from patterns observed in Europe.