Critical Gerontology: Perspectives from Political and Moral Economy (Policy, Politics, Health, and Medicine Series) (Hardcover)

by Meredith Minkler (Editor), Carroll L. Estes (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review
". . . the book provides a vast array of issues and ideas on geronotology, mostly based on, although sometimes partly opposed to, the moral and political economy framework. The five parts highlight the main current policy concerns, very often controversial. Therefore, the book arrives at a very opportune moment because it enlightens the current debates about an ageing society." -- Maria-Teresa Bazo, Universidad del Pais Vasco/EHU, Bilbao, Spain, Ageing & Society, Volume 19

"A wide range of topics are covered and ably analyzed in this boo$ from more typical gerontological preoccupations such as concerns about health or retirement, to more innovative concerns with demolishing myths about the elderly as 'separate and different' from those who are younger. Collectively, the contributions underscore the insight that can be gained when aging is placed within a broad socio-economic and historical context as opposed to one that ignores the contingent nature of experience. All told, this volume is remarkably clear and cohesive; it makes a significant contribution to the growing literature in critical gerontology and is worthy of wide readership." -- Sharon Dale Stone, Lakehead University

"Critical Gerontology is strong in many ways. Its introductory theoretical chapters are well documented and clearly articulated for the reader who may be unfamiliar with the concepts of political and moral economy. Other chapters are directly relevant to issues currently under policy debate vouchers, devolution to the states, restructuring of Medicare, nursing home reform, and productive aging. Perhaps is greatest strength is its "critical" perspective. It asks us to shake our complacency as regards the inevitability of the circumstances we now associate with growing older in America. These circumstances are shaped by the economic and political systems we rarely question or critique. Minkler and Estes ask us to examine not only what is but what can be changed, and more important, what is right to do. There is value in having these authors occasionally "in our faces" asking these important questions." -- Elizabeth A. Kutza, Ph.D., Director Institute on Aging, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon

Product Description
This refreshing book uses broad political and moral economy perspectives to explore the intersections of race, class, gender and aging and how these help determine the experience of aging and growing old. The twenty chapter volume includes new contributions by many of the top names in critical gerontology. Both political and economic factors, and those shared norms about fairness and obligation that help shape our aging policies, are examined in relation to a wide range of contemporary issues in gerontology.

Devolution and the restructuring of major health and social policies; caregiving and welfare reform; disability theory and public policy; "productive aging" and "senior power"; and the situation faced by minority elders "caught in the hostile cross-fire" of our rapidly changing social policies are among the topic areas explored. Crosscutting themes including the interdependence of generations and the importance of viewing aging in structural, rather than merely individual terms provide important unifying threads that demonstrate the interrelationships between the many topic areas examined. Both national and cross national perspectives are brought to bear in this insightful volume.

An important new text for graduate courses in gerontology, sociology, public policy, public health and social welfare, Critical Gerontology should also prove an indispensable resource for scholars, policy makers, and professionals in many fields who are concerned with the complexities of societal aging at the dawn of the 21st century.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 396 pages
• Publisher: Baywood Pub Co (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895031841
• ISBN-13: 978-0895031846
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
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• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,401,704 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)