Key Concepts in Social Gerontology

Social gerontology is a new and dynamic field reflecting the increasing interest in ageing across the world. This book provides a readily accessible guide to well established and contested issues, as well as new concepts emerging through cutting edge research in the discipline. The entries give concise, lucid knowledge on what constitutes the ‘building blocks’ of social gerontology and sets out a clear review of the core concepts, both classic and emerging, in this subject area. Each concept is explored in terms of its: History, Application, Usefulness to theory and research, and, Significance in practice. They go beyond simple definition of the concepts to look at how each issue has shaped the discipline of social gerontology today. This book is authored by social gerontologists from the UK and the USA. Together they present an interdisciplinary perspective and reflect a global approach to the presentation of key concepts in social gerontology. Judith Phillips is Professor of Gerontology and Social Work at Swansea University, Wales Kristine Ajrouch is Associate Professor of Sociology at Eastern Michigan University Sarah Hillcoat-Nalletamby is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at Swansea University, Wales.