The Ageing of Population between Reforms and Consciousness

The Ageing of Population between Reforms and Consciousness By Serena Freni Sterrantino University of Catania, Italy Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Introduction: The ageing of population can be analyzed as one of the main changes that have been occurring for decades in many post-industrial societies. Literature (Pierson, 2001) says that there are 4 transitions in the advanced industrial economies: 1) Slowdown in the productivity growth, 2) Gradual expansion and maturation of Governmental Commitments and Welfare State maturation, 3) Demographic shift to an older population, 4) Restructuring of households. Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Slowdown in the Growth of Productivity Massive shift in employment from relatively dynamic manufacturing activities to generally less dynamic service provision. Services are characterized by: - Price-inelastic demand - Slow growth of salaries It implies: - Deindustrialization process - Slow fiscal contribution rates - Unemployment Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Expansion and maturation of Governmental Commitments and Welfare State maturation Welfare states grew at a remarkable pace from 1945 to 1973. Their main commitments are health care provision and pensions. Population ageing is linked to the rise of governmental commitments in both pensions and health care provision. Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Transformation of the Household Structure It includes a set of transformations like: - a massive increase in women’s labor force participation rates, falling fertility rates, emergence of single-parent households. The slowdown of fertility rates is associated with the population ageing. The void left by women in the household management has some effects for child-rearing, the disabled and the elderly. Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Population Ageing n Populations of advanced industrial societies have been ageing. n The bulk of this demographic transition will occur between 2010 and 2035. Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Family and the Elderly as Core Issues of the Welfare State n n n They are the most dramatic transitions not only from a social perspective but also as main strains for the welfare state. Demographic changes represent a new challenge for welfare states. Since achieving higher life standards for its citizens has become the main responsibility of the state, and since pensions and health services are clearly part of the welfare policies, generous retirement benefits and increasing health costs are difficult to sustain for an ageing society. Many scholars claim that a restructuring of the welfare state is urgent. Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Welfare states share common challenges, but responses may vary. According to Esping-Andersen (1990), the four types of welfare states (liberal, social democratic, continental, and southern European) have to achieve their own reforms. n Regarding the elderly, some people claim that they can be seen not as a burden for the society, rather a useful resource. n Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Benefits of an Ageing Population Old people can provide childcare, financial, practical, and emotional assistance. n Economic effects, both for the unpaid job they do for the family and leisure activities in which they may be involved. n Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Disadvantages of an Ageing Population Apart from the above-mentioned issues, psychologists stress that some older people are likely to experience poverty, social exclusion, and even domestic violence, making them vulnerable subjects. n Institutions have to limit such phenomena. n Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Conclusions n n The population ageing is a serious and pressing problem requiring a wide and multi-level response. Governments and institutions have to consider the elderly as a specific social group that may play positive and active roles in the household structure, but they can also fall victim to abuse and mistreatment. Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

As Article 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: ‘Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international cooperation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality’ …population ageing is a human right. Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012

Thank you for your attention! Maribor, 18 -19 October 2012