Connecting Gender and Ageing: A Sociological Approach

Connecting Gender and Ageing challenges the assumption that gender can be treated as static over the life course, highlighting the differential social effects of ageing on women's and men's roles, relationships and identity. The early chapters address the question of linking gender and age within sociological theory, outlining alternatives and introducing new ideas to integrate these two dimensions of social stratification. Contributors use a feminist perspective to explore the impact of ageing on gender roles in the workplace and in retirement; in marital and other relationships; in community support networks and in older women's own perceptions. A range of research approaches are used, including qualitative studies giving a voice to older women. A concluding chapter draws out the implications of the book. A clear writing style and the inclusion of chapters from North America and Europe makes this book accessible to an international readership.