Longer lives are often seen as a sign of progress, but ageing is also described as one of the greatest societal challenges of our time. An ageing population affects how institutions function, how policies are shaped and how everyday life unfolds. At the same time, this development interacts with other major processes of change related to migration, economic structures, work, values and cultural norms.
In this course, we explore these questions through different sociological perspectives. We discuss how ageing is experienced in people鈥檚 everyday lives and how it is influenced by the social and cultural changes shaping our present. You also gain insight into how these issues are connected to larger global developments.
Theory and demography as a foundation
The course begins with an introduction to the theoretical foundations and demographic patterns that define today鈥檚 ageing societies. From there, we move on to examine key challenges and the research perspectives used to understand shifting age structures. We work with both national and international examples to show how different societies are affected and how they respond to these changes.
A broad social science perspective
Throughout the course, you learn to describe and discuss the core issues surrounding an ageing society and how these issues relate to social, cultural and economic change. You also reflect on policy challenges and consider how different political areas are shaped by demographic developments.
The course helps you connect individual life experiences with broader societal structures, giving you the ability to understand ageing both as a personal process and as part of wider social and political transformations.
Course content
You receive a broad introduction to social analysis of ageing societies. The course is grounded in sociological perspectives and examines ageing across multiple levels, from individual life-course changes to broader social and political shifts. After covering fundamental theory and demographic patterns, we address the main challenges, research perspectives and policy prospects from both national and international viewpoints.
The course is taught in English, but examinations may be completed in Swedish.
Teaching and learning activities
Teaching consists of lectures, seminars and both individual and group-based exercises. In addition, students are expected to engage in independent study between sessions.