Older Adulthood, Education and Social Change- Education and the Potential for Social Change in Later Life

ISBN-13: 9783836425957 / Angielski / Miękka / 2007 / 312 str.

Allan Martin

Opis

Demographics point to a rapid increase in the number of older adults inmany countries. This situation has been debated primarily from theperspective of an unrealistically optimistic or unduly pessimistic view of thefuture, with few attempts to suggest alternatives. This study proposes aradical theory based on the premise that an opportune time in history existsfor older adults to contribute to social and political change through theformation of a new social movement. The analysis addresses the question ofwhether education in some form could act as an agency or catalyst to initiatean organised social movement. It examines the relevant literature, thedevelopment of social movements in the past, the difficulties to be overcomein initiating an organised movement, and answers questions relating toovercoming inertia, sectional interests, generating leadership and developinginnovative and imaginative educative processes.The empirical research for this study was based on interviews with leaders oforganisations involved with older adults and focuses on drawing conclusionsfrom the research in relation to the research question. The study counters themedical and economic approach to ageing on which much government policyand, to a large extent, public attitudes have been formedThe book is directed to professionals in higher and further education, andthose who teach in the general field of adult education. It is also addressedto politicians,political theorists, editors and journalists and those who objectto ageist and stereotypical attitudes towards older adults.