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Family, caring and ageing in the United Kingdom.

Authors :
Gilbert, Tony
Powell, Jason L.
Source :
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. Mar2005, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p53-57. 5p.
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

Scand J Caring Sci; 2005; 19; 53–57Family, caring and ageing in the United KingdomThis paper provides a critical exploration of the assumptions and narratives underpinning the development of social policy initiatives targeting caring relationships based upon family ties. Using a narrative approach attention is drawn to the ways in which family identities are open to a far greater range of negotiation than is assumed by policy. Drawing on the United Kingdom as a case example, questions are posed about intergenerational relations and the nature of late life citizenship. The comparatively recent invention of narratives supporting‘informal care’ and the link with neo-liberal and‘third way’ notions of active citizenship are explored. As is the failure of policy developments to take into account the diversity of care giving styles and the complexity of caring relationships. It is argued that the uneven and locally specific ways in which policy develops enables the co-existence of a complex range of narratives about family, caring and ageing which address diverse aspects of the family life of older people in often contradictory ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02839318
Volume :
19
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
16258316
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6712.2004.00313.x