CITIZENSHIP OLDER ADULTS AND CIVIC DIMENSIONS OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION

摘要

This paper focuses on conceptual aspects of the civic dimensions of social exclusion among older adults. Building on post Marshallian concepts of social citizenship, it suggests that such a concept of rights and citizenship, with its civil, political and social dimensions, together with the development of “third generation rights” (exercised collectively) offers better prospects for conceptual clarity and policy development in relation to the civic dimensions of social exclusion in old age. The deep philosophical and historical roots of, and the resonance of concepts of citizenship and rights in the modern world, provide stronger underpinnings for theorising the challenges of an ageing world than many of the more frequently invoked terms of policy discourse, such as social inclusion, civic engagement or activation. In the context of considering a new convention on the rights of older persons the re-elaboration of the concept of citizenship is potentially very valuable.