Provides a comprehensive assessment of the political environment and the state of old-age policy and politics and discusses specific, realistic policy options for the future.

The aging of the population of the United States is occurring at a time of major economic and social changes. These economic changes include consideration of increases in the age of eligibility for Social Security and Medicare and possible changes in benefit levels. Furthermore, changes in the social context in which older individuals and families function may well affect the nature of key social relationships and institutions that define the environment for older persons. Sociology offers a knowledge base, a number of useful analytic approaches and tools, and unique theoretical perspectives that can facilitate understanding of these demographic, economic, and social changes and, to the extent possible, their causes, consequences and implications. The Future of the Sociology of Aging: An Agenda for Action evaluates the recent contributions of social demography, social epidemiology and sociology to the study of aging and identifies promising new research directions in these sub-fields. Included in this study are nine papers prepared by experts in sociology, demography, social genomics, public health, and other fields, that highlight the broad array of tools and perspectives that can provide the basis for further advancing the understanding of aging processes in ways that can inform policy. This report discusses the role of sociology in what is a wide-ranging and diverse field of study; a proposed three-dimensional conceptual model for studying social processes in aging over the life cycle; a review of existing databases, data needs and opportunities, primarily in the area of measurement of interhousehold and intergenerational transmission of resources, biomarkers and biosocial interactions; and a summary of roadblocks and bridges to transdisciplinary research that will affect the future directions of the field of sociology of aging.

Resource added for the Psychology (includes Sociology) 108091 courses.

In this new scholarly compilation by David P. McGrane, established and emerging trends in Saskatchewan public policy are the foundation for setting new directions for the province in the 21st century. In what direction should Saskatchewan be headed in the 21st century? To answer this question, academics from various disciplines at the University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan have come together to produce New Directions in Saskatchewan Public Policy, the first edited book exclusively devoted to public policy in the province, with chapters discussing taxation, immigration, agriculture, urban affairs, poverty reduction, the social economy, labour, aging, Aboriginal public administration, and climate change. The authors provide an analysis and description of the current policies of the Wall government, and also look back to explore what the Romanow and Calvert governments did in these areas. The overarching theme of the book is that, despite the province's robust economic growth, significant public policy challenges remina for the Saskatchewan provincial government. The lesson is that economic growth does not magically solve entrenched societal problems and that economic prosperity will dissipate if worrisome social trends are left unchecked. While many scholarly books shy away from prescription, the authors of this book include sections in their chapters that set out new directions for policy development. As such, the book not only contains solid analysis of the present policy situation, but also offers concrete ideas for future policy makers.

After decades of single issue movements and identity politics on the U.S. left, the series of large demonstrations beginning in 1999 in Seattle have led many to wonder if activist politics can now come together around a common theme of global justice. This book pursues the prospects for progressive political movements in the 21st century with case studies of ten representative movements, including the anti-globalization forces, environmental interest groups, and new takes on the peace movement.

Widely recognized experts present the first comparative analysis of recent developments among six Eastern and Western nations concerning population aging and its consequences. Chapters focus on demographic trends, sociocultural contexts, and policy implications. Nations selected as case studies include: the Peopleís Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The editors and contributors call attention to the varied trajectories and effects of population aging in culturally diverse societies that are often at different stages or on different paths of economic development. Such analyses bring into sharper focus those conditions that are unique, or similar, and emphasize the ways in which cultural stereotypes of aging and the elderly complicate our understanding of the effects of world-wide population aging.

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