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Social Welfare, Aging, and Social Theory

2nd Edition

Jason L Powell and John Martyn Chamberlain

Social Welfare, Aging and Social Theory explores how we can understand the changing relationship between social welfare and human aging. The book begins by reviewing how historical changes in society impacted on shaping emergence of scientific approaches to understand and problematize and bio-medicalize aging as akin to an illness and disease. The discussion moves to trace how particular social science theories were developed to reinforce negative perceptions of aging. The book also develops its own reflexive approach with in-depth examples of social welfare in national, international and global contexts in how aging is theorized in the postmodern world were alternative possibilities can be encountered.
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Lexington Books
Pages: 194 • Trim: 6⅜ x 9½
978-0-7391-4777-1 • Hardback • January 2012 • $120.00 • (£92.00)
978-0-7391-4778-8 • Paperback • January 2012 • $57.99 • (£45.00)
Subjects: Social Science / Gerontology, Social Science / Death & Dying
Jason L. Powell is divisional head of social sciences at University of Central Lancashire.

John Martyn Chamberlain is a lecturer in criminology and social policy at Loughborough University.
Chapter 1: The Relationship of Social Theory and Aging: A Critical Exegesis
Part I. Modern Constructions of Aging
Chapter 2: From Galen to the Clinic: the Birth of Biomedicine
Chapter 3: Occidental Modernity, the Biomedical Gaze, and Aging
Chapter 4: Theorizing Aging: Critical Explorations of Modernist Sociological Approaches
Part II. Postmodern Deconstructions of Aging
Chapter 5: Postmodernism, Culture, and the Aging Body
Chapter 6: The "Foucault Effect" and Aging: Relations of Power, Surveillance and Governmentality
Chapter 7: Aging in the "Risk Society"
Chapter 8: Narrative and Aging
Chapter 9: Reconstructions of Aging: The Case of Global Aging
Chapter 10: Conclusion: Reconstructions of Aging
Social Welfare, Aging and Social Theory provides a significant critique of dominant theories in social gerontology. It covers a wide range of theoretical perspectives whilst offering a coherent perspective based around Foucauldian ideas. The links drawn between theory and practice are especially welcome and should ensure a wide readership.
— Chris Phillipson, Centre for Social Gerontology, Keele University, UK


Social Welfare, Aging, and Social Theory is a book which lives up to its ambitious title. Now, more than ever, we need a book which can help us connect the dots and make sense of our lives in an aging society. This book delivers on that promise.
— Harry R. Moody, Director of Academic Affairs, AARP


This important book locates aging at the heart of social theory and challenges many taken-for-granted assumptions in gerontology as well as popular culture. It provides a powerful antidote to dominant biomedical and behavioral science models of aging as inevitable decline and should be read by all students of gerontology and social theory.
— Alan Walker, University of Sheffield


Social Welfare, Aging, and Social Theory

2nd Edition

Cover Image
Hardback
Paperback
Summary
Summary
  • Social Welfare, Aging and Social Theory explores how we can understand the changing relationship between social welfare and human aging. The book begins by reviewing how historical changes in society impacted on shaping emergence of scientific approaches to understand and problematize and bio-medicalize aging as akin to an illness and disease. The discussion moves to trace how particular social science theories were developed to reinforce negative perceptions of aging. The book also develops its own reflexive approach with in-depth examples of social welfare in national, international and global contexts in how aging is theorized in the postmodern world were alternative possibilities can be encountered.
Details
Details
  • Lexington Books
    Pages: 194 • Trim: 6⅜ x 9½
    978-0-7391-4777-1 • Hardback • January 2012 • $120.00 • (£92.00)
    978-0-7391-4778-8 • Paperback • January 2012 • $57.99 • (£45.00)
    Subjects: Social Science / Gerontology, Social Science / Death & Dying
Author
Author
  • Jason L. Powell is divisional head of social sciences at University of Central Lancashire.

    John Martyn Chamberlain is a lecturer in criminology and social policy at Loughborough University.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
  • Chapter 1: The Relationship of Social Theory and Aging: A Critical Exegesis
    Part I. Modern Constructions of Aging
    Chapter 2: From Galen to the Clinic: the Birth of Biomedicine
    Chapter 3: Occidental Modernity, the Biomedical Gaze, and Aging
    Chapter 4: Theorizing Aging: Critical Explorations of Modernist Sociological Approaches
    Part II. Postmodern Deconstructions of Aging
    Chapter 5: Postmodernism, Culture, and the Aging Body
    Chapter 6: The "Foucault Effect" and Aging: Relations of Power, Surveillance and Governmentality
    Chapter 7: Aging in the "Risk Society"
    Chapter 8: Narrative and Aging
    Chapter 9: Reconstructions of Aging: The Case of Global Aging
    Chapter 10: Conclusion: Reconstructions of Aging
Reviews
Reviews
  • Social Welfare, Aging and Social Theory provides a significant critique of dominant theories in social gerontology. It covers a wide range of theoretical perspectives whilst offering a coherent perspective based around Foucauldian ideas. The links drawn between theory and practice are especially welcome and should ensure a wide readership.
    — Chris Phillipson, Centre for Social Gerontology, Keele University, UK


    Social Welfare, Aging, and Social Theory is a book which lives up to its ambitious title. Now, more than ever, we need a book which can help us connect the dots and make sense of our lives in an aging society. This book delivers on that promise.
    — Harry R. Moody, Director of Academic Affairs, AARP


    This important book locates aging at the heart of social theory and challenges many taken-for-granted assumptions in gerontology as well as popular culture. It provides a powerful antidote to dominant biomedical and behavioral science models of aging as inevitable decline and should be read by all students of gerontology and social theory.
    — Alan Walker, University of Sheffield


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