The Politics of Old Age : Older People's Interest Organisations and Collective Action in Ireland

The politics of old age in the twenty first century is contentious, encompassing ideological debates about the rights and welfare entitlements of individuals in later life. An important aspect is the manner in which older people and their representative groups are given the opportunity to articulate their interests in the policy-making process. Drawing upon key literature in political science, social gerontology and cultural sociology, The politics of old age explores the relationship between ageing, politics and representation. It reveals the complexity of older people’s representation and how the power the organisations exercise, their legitimacy and existence remain highly contingent on government policy design, political opportunity structures and the prevailing cultural and socioeconomic milieu. This book is essential reading for policymakers and organisations interested in ageing, policy and the political process and for students of ageing, social policy and political sociology. The Politics Of Old Age In The Twenty-first Century Is Contentious, Encompassing Ideological Debates About How Old Age Is Conceptualised And The Rights And Welfare Entitlements Of Individuals In Later Life. This Book Situates The Discussion In The International Context And Outlines Findings Of An Irish Case Study Which Explores The Evolution Of Older People's Interest Organisations In Ireland From Their Inception In The Mid-1990s To The End Of The First Decade Of The Twenty-first Century. Martha Doyle. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This title situates the discussion of older people's interests in the international context and outlines the findings of an Irish case study