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

Phillipson, Chris; Leach, Rebecca; Money, Annemarie; Biggs, Simon

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.

Citation

Phillipson, C., Leach, R., Money, A., & Biggs, S. (2008). Social and Cultural Constructions of Ageing: The Case of the Baby Boomers. Sociological Research Online, 13(3), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.5153/sro.1695

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 3, 2008
• Online Publication Date: Dec 11, 2017
• Publication Date: May 31, 2008
• Deposit Date: May 14, 2024
• Journal: Sociological Research Online
• Print ISSN: 1360-7804
• Electronic ISSN: 1360-7804
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 3
• Article Number: 5
• Pages: 1-14
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5153/sro.1695
• Keywords: Baby Boomers; Generations; Demography; Consumption; Political Change
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/827661
• Publisher URL: https://www.socresonline.org.uk/13/3/5.html