The course deals with research which conceptualises experiences of aging and identity. Life after retirement entails changes in personal relationships and living conditions. The aging body and ideas of aging are problematised from a social perspective. Needs for social care, medical care and dependence are problematised from the experiences of both giver and receiver. Home, family, death and grief are examples of themes that are examined from the global to the local context. The role of the citizen focuses on the diverse and gendered conditions of aging. Social situations such as loneliness and vulnerability as well as poverty, addiction and violence are considered during the course. The course problematises fundamental theoretical categories such as gender, class, ethnicity and sexuality.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course the student is expected to Display in-depth knowledge of the conditions and underlying factors affecting social aging. With the aid of theories, be able to critically examine, argue and relate to central terms such as identity, family, relationships, care, diversity and equality. With the aid of these theories, be able to reflect on, as well as analyse, social work with the elderly. Display a good ability to independently determine, describe, discuss and present a research problem, with a theme relevant to the course, both orally and in writing. Display a good ability to communicate and to contribute with considered viewpoints to seminar discussions.

Required Knowledge

Specific entry requirements in English, equivalent to English A from Swedish Upper Secondary School. A Bachelors degree from an internationally recognised university. Special requirements: 90 ECTS in social Work or the equivalent including an undergraduate thesis of 15 ECTS.

Form of instruction

Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars and individual presentations. Attendance at seminars and individual presentations is compulsory. Students who are unable to participate in an examinatory element will be set extra assignments. The course requires the students to find their own literature, or to critically relate to a selection of supplementary articles.

Examination modes

The course uses continuous examination in the form of active participation in seminars and individual and written tests. The course is examined through a written assignment which is presented orally and discussed in a seminar, as well as through active participation in seminar discussions of participants presentations. All examinatory elements are used as bases for the overall course grade. To receive the grade pass for the course it is necessary to achieve a passing grade for all seminars as well as for the individual written assignment. To receive a pass with credit grade for the course it is necessary to achieve a passing grade for all seminars as well as a pass with credit grade for the individual written assignment. Students who achieve a passing grade in an examination may not be re-examined order to achieve a higher grade. For all written assignments it is required that students handle sources in accordance with academic tradition. Students who do not achieve a passing grade in an examination have the right to re-examination no later than three months after examination results have been made public, and subsequently when the course is given again. Students who fail to participate in compulsory/or examinatory group work or seminar(s) can, in certain cases, supplement this with an individual assignment. In cases where this is not possible the student is given the opportunity to participate in the element in question when the course is given again. Students have the right to change examiner after two failed examinations, unless special reasons exist. A written request for change of examiner is to be submitted to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination date.

Other regulations

Credit Transfer Transfer of credits is assessed on an individual basis. For more information please contact your student adviser. See also the Code of rules and procedures at Umeå University. http://www8.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/regelsamlingen/index_eng.htm

Literature

Valid from: 2011 week 3

Attributes of age-identity. Ageing & Society. vol. 25:479-500.
Bowling Ann, See-Tai Sharon, Ebrahim Shah, Gabriel Zahaava, Solanki Priyha
2005 :
Mandatory

Renegotiating identity and relationships: men and women’s adjustment to retirement. Ageing & Society, vol. 24:213-233
Barnes Helen, Perry Jane
2004 :
Mandatory

Becoming and Being Old: Socological Approaches to Later Life. London: Sage Publications.
Bytheway Bill, Keil Teresa, Allatt Patricia, Bryman Aland (ed)
1989 :
Mandatory

The challenge of Ageing. Ageing and Society vol. 20, no. 1:33-54
Bernard Miriam, Philips Judith
2000 :
Mandatory

The Health and Social Service Needs of Gay and Lesbian Elders and Their Families in Canada. The Gerontologist, vol. 43, no. 2:192-202
Brotman Shari, Ryan Bill, Cormier Robert
2003 :
Mandatory

Globalization, Women´s Migration, and the long-Term-Care Workforce. The Gerontologist, vol. 48, no. 1:16-24
Browne Colette V, Braun Kathryn L
2008 :
Mandatory

Budgeon Shelley
Couple Culture and the Production of Singleness. Sexualities, vol 11, no. 3:301-325
2008 :
Mandatory

Bytheway Bill
Ageism and age categorization. Journal of social issues, vol. 61, no. 2:361-374
2005 :
Mandatory

Caring while living apart. Gerontological Social Work, vol. 49, no. 4:3-27
Karlsson Sofie Ghazanfareeon, Johansson Stina, Gender Arne, Borell Klas
2007 :
Mandatory

Aging, self, and community : a collection of readings
Charmaz Kathy, Gubrium Jaber F., Charmaz Kathy
Greenwich, Conn. ;a London : JAI Press : c1992 : x,293p :
ISBN: 1-55938-552-9 (pbk)
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Cruikshank, Margret (2008)
Aging and identity politics. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 22, no. 2:147-151.

Mandatory

”It’s like a family”: Caring Labor, Exploitation, and Race in Nursing Homes. Gender & Society, vol. 21, no. 6:905-928
Dodson Lisa, Zincavage Rebekah M
2007 :
Mandatory

Intentions and strategies among elderly people. Coping in everyday life. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 19:437-451
Duner Anna, Nordström Monica
2005 :
Mandatory

The Biomedicalization of Aging: Dangers and Dilemmas. The Gerontologist, vol.29, no. 2:587-596
Estes C L, Binney E A
1989 :
Mandatory

Ett hem till mer än namnet – om hem som källa till oberoende och identitet bland äldre med hemtjänst. Socialvetenskaplig tidskrift, vol. 15, nr. 2:135-15
Evertsson Lars, Johansson Stina
2008 :
Mandatory

The Nursing Home as a Discursive Anchor for the Ageing Body. Ageing & Society, vol.19: 519-538
Gubrium Jaber F, Holstein James A
1999 :
Mandatory

Gunnarsson Evy
The vulnerable life course: poverty and social assistance among middle-aged and older women. Ageing and Society, vol. 22:709-728
2002 :
Mandatory

The social separation of old and young. A root of Ageism. Journal of Social Issues, vol. 61, no. 2:343-360
Hagestad Gunhild, Uhlenberg Peter
2005 :
Mandatory

Gender and the Division of Houshold Labor in Older Couples: A European Perspective. Journal of Family Issues, vol. 28, no 3:399-421.
Hank Karsten, Jürges Hendrik
2007 :
Mandatory

Hilbourne Marion
Living together full time? Middle-class couples approaching retirement. Ageing and Society, vol. 19:161-183
1999 :
Mandatory

Johansson Stina
Omsorg och mångfald
Malmö : Gleerups : 2010 :
ISBN: 978-91-40-66828-8
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Karner Tracy X
Professional Caring: Homecare Workers as Fictive Kin. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 12, no 1:69-82.
1998 :
Mandatory

Katz Stephen
Busy Bodies: Activity, Aging, and the Management of Everyday Life. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 14, no. 2:135-152.
2000 :
Mandatory

Widowhood and the end of spousal care-giving:relief of wear and tear. Ageing and Society, vol. 28, 551-570.
Keene Jennifer Reid, Prokos Anastasia H
2008 :
Mandatory

Mallett, Shelley (2004)
Understanding home: a critical review of the literature. The Sociological Review, vol. 52, no. 1:62-89

Mandatory

Olaison, Anna & Cedersund Elisabet (2006)
Assessment for home care: Negotiating solutions for individual needs. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 20:367-380.

Mandatory

Rosenfeld, Dana (1999)
Identity work among gay and lesbian elderly. Journal of Aging Studies, vol. 13, no. 2:121-144.

Mandatory

Rubinstein, Robert, L (1989)
The Home Environments of Older People: a Description of the Psychosocial Processes Linking Person to Place. The journals of gerontology, vol. 44, no. 2:545-553.

Mandatory

Salander, Pär & Agneta Spetz (2002)
How do patients and spouses deal with the serious facts of malignant glioma. Palliative Medicine, vol. 16:305-313.

Mandatory

Sidenvall, Birgitta, Nydahl, Margaretha, Fjellström, Christina (2001)
Managing food shopping and cooking: the experiences of older Swedish women. Ageing & Society, vol. 20:151-168.

Mandatory

Siebert, Darcy C, Mutran, Elisabeth J & Reitzes, Donald (1999)
Friendship and Social Support: The Importance of Role Identity to Aging Adults. Social Work, vol. 44, no. 6:522-533.

Mandatory

Snellman Marie-Louise
”Det är ju inte hela tiden bara lycka heller” Äldre kvinnors berättade liv – om arbete, omsorg och åldrande i lansbygdsmiljö. Studier i socialt arbete vid Umeå universitet. Avhandlings- och skriftserie. No 65.
2009 :
Mandatory

Stepfamilies and older people: evaluating the implications of family change for an aging population. Aging and Society, vol. 19, no. 2:239-261.
Bornat Joanna, Dimmock Brian, Jones David, Peace Shelia
1999 :
Mandatory

Taghizadeh Larsson Annika
Att åldras med funktionshinder: Betydelser av socialt och kronologiskt åldrande för människor som under lång tid levt med fysiska funktionsnedsättningar. Linköping Studies in Arts and Science No. 470. Linköpings Universitet, Institutionen för samhälls och välfärdsstudier, NISAL
2009 :
Mandatory

Torres, Sandra (2006)
Elderly Immigrants in Sweden: ”Otherness” Under Construction. Journal of Ethnic Migration Studies, vol. 32, no. 8:1341-1358.

Mandatory

Twigg, Julia (2000)
Carework as a form of bodywork. Ageing & Society, vol. 20:389-411.

Mandatory

Walker, Alan (1982)
Dependency and Old Age. Social Policy & Administration, vol 16, no. 2:115-135.

Mandatory

Warren, Carol A.B. (1998)
Aging and Identity in Premodern Times. Research on Aging, vol. 20, no. 11:11-35.

Mandatory

Whitaker Anna
The body as existential midpoint - the aging and dying body of nursing home residents. Journal of Aging Studies, 24, 2, 96-110
2010 :
Mandatory

Zink, Therese C, Jacobson, Jeff jr., Pabst, Saundra Regan, Fisher, Bonnie S (2006)
A Lifetime of Intimate Partner Violence: Coping Strategies of Older Women. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 21, no. 5:634-651.

Mandatory

Åström, Sture, Karlsson, Stig, Sandvide, Åsa, Bucht, Gösta, Eisemann, Martin, Norberg, Astrid, Saveman, Britt-Inger (2004)
Staff’s experience of and the management of violent incidents in elderly care. Scandinavian Journal of Caring, vol. 18:410-416.

Mandatory

Öberg, Peter & Tornstam, Lars (2001)
Youthfulness and Fitness – Identity Ideals for all Ages? Journal of Aging and Identity, vol. 6, no. 1:15-29.

Mandatory

Aging and everyday life
Gubrium Jaber F, Holstein James A
Oxford, UK ;a Malden, Mass. : Blackwell : 2000 : 483 s. :
ISBN: 0-631-21707-X (hb : alk. paper (pb : alk. paper)
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Johansson Stina
Social omsorg i socialt arbete
Malmö : Gleerups Utbildning AB : 2007 : 285 s. :
ISBN: 91-40-64760-9
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Social Work with Elderly, 15 credits