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Social and Cultural Constructions of Ageing: The Case of the Baby Boomers

Author

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  • Chris Phillipson
  • Rebecca Leach
  • Annemarie Money
  • Simon Biggs

Abstract

This paper examines social and cultural constructions of first wave baby boomers, those born in the period 1945-1954. Boomers are depicted, variously, as bringing new lifestyles and attitudes to ageing and retirement; or heralding economic disaster; or placing fresh burdens on health and social care services. The paper seeks to explore narratives about the boomer generation, drawing on sociological studies, the mass media and cultural and social histories of the post-war period. The article provides a critical analysis of the construction of boomers as a ‘problem generation’, exploring this from the perspective of demography, consumption and politics. The paper concludes with a research agenda for further work around the boomer generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Chris Phillipson & Rebecca Leach & Annemarie Money & Simon Biggs, 2008. "Social and Cultural Constructions of Ageing: The Case of the Baby Boomers," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 13(3), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:13:y:2008:i:3:p:1-14
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.1695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dale Dannefer, 2003. "Cumulative Advantage/Disadvantage and the Life Course: Cross-Fertilizing Age and Social Science Theory," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 58(6), pages 327-337.
    2. Easterlin, Richard A., 1987. "Birth and Fortune," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, edition 2, number 9780226180328, August.
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    1. Marion Repetti & Toni Calasanti & Chris Phillipson, 2024. "Developing ‘Age-Friendly’ Communities: The Experience of International Retired Migrants," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 29(4), pages 981-997, December.
    2. Anna Szeląg-Sikora & Aneta Oleksy-Gębczyk & Józef Ciuła & Mariusz Cembruch-Nowakowski & Katarzyna Peter-Bombik & Paulina Rydwańska & Tomasz Zacłona, 2024. "Energy Transformation Within the Framework of Sustainable Development and Consumer Behavior," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-34, December.
    3. Christopher Zegras & Jae Seung Lee & Eran Ben-Joseph, 2012. "By Community or Design? Age-restricted Neighbourhoods, Physical Design and Baby Boomers’ Local Travel Behaviour in Suburban Boston, US," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 49(10), pages 2169-2198, August.

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