With the aspiration for a long life now achievable for many individuals, the status of old age as a distinct social position has become problematic. In this radical re-examination of the nature of old age, Paul Higgs and Chris Gilleard reveal the emergence of a 'fourth age' that embodies the most feared and marginalised aspects of old age, conceptually linked to and yet distinct from traditional models of old age.
Inspired by the authors' ground-breaking work on the third and fourth age and supported by extensive sociological, medical and historical research, Rethinking Old Age offers a unique and timely analysis of the fourth age as a 'social imaginary' that is shaped and maintained by the social, cultural and political discourses and practices that divide later life. It stands as a significant resource for students, academics and practitioners of sociology, ageing studies, gerontology, social policy, health studies, social work and nursing.
- ISBN10 1137383992
- ISBN13 9781137383990
- Publish Date 1 May 2015
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 10 November 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Macmillan Education UK
- Imprint Red Globe Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 184
- Language English