Overcoming Obstacles
Ageism in Hiring: An Analytical Process Model
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Laura Naegele, Wouter De Tavernier, Moritz Hess, Frerich Frerichs
This paper contributes to the discourse on hiring discrimination by introducing an analytical process model that offers a template for the systematic analysis of discrimination within the process of labour market integration. Its usage and contribution to the field is exemplarily presented by applying the proposed model to the case of ageism. Five phases and four actors are distinguished that, added together, make up the pro-posed analytical process model. In the following, the analytical process model is used as an analytical framework for a literature review, aimed at identifying and critically evaluating the vast and extensive literature on ageism in the process of labour market integration. The paper concludes that ageism occurs in all five phases of the integration process, pinpointing potential areas for policy interventions. Further, we conclude that the existing literature on ageism in labour market integration is fragmented, with some elements and/or actors within the process having received little attention so far. The analytical process model developed in this paper provides the scientific community with a tool to systematize literature, detect underlying mechanisms, and uncover ex-isting research gaps; not only for the here presented case of ageism, but for a vast varie-ty of other -isms. In addition, policy makers, trade unions and employers can use the Model to better target and tailor anti-discrimination measures.
Multi-disciplinary Stakeholders’ Co-design for Healthy Ageing
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Fanke Peng
Australia and many other countries around the world face a significant population shift. With an aging population that is living longer, increasingly new issues of varied complexities arise that will require new perspectives to solve them. Falls are one of the major problems in the elderly, which is a serious public health problem and considered one of the “geriatric giants.” Elderly patients sustaining major trauma also bring a series of physical, multiple medical, psychological, and social challenges and consequences. In this paper, design approaches have been introduced into health (aged) care to make meaningful contributions to elderly fall management, social re-connection, and wellbeing, which provide innovative solutions besides the current clinician perspectives. Moreover, we discuss multi-disciplinary design approaches, like design thinking and key stakeholders’ co-design as applied to development of solutions for "wicked" problems in healthy aging.
Achieving the Everyday: Older Disabled Londoner's Everyday Mobility
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Philip Corran
This paper explores the challenges older disabled Londoners face in navigating urban spaces. Using ethnographic data from go-alongs (accompanied trips) and interviews, I detail how being mobile is experienced in a city still bearing the legacy of a disregard for accessibility and inclusiveness. I then examine the strategies and techniques participants develop to manage barriers to their mobility, allowing them to achieve the mundanity and routine of everyday life. This elucidates the trade-offs and accommodations undergone in support of these techniques. To understand inequalities in mobility between older disabled Londoners, I ground my analysis in Bourdieu’s theory of practice. This allows me to analyse the capitals which produce mobility practices and are drawn upon to generate techniques and strategies employed to surmount barriers to mobility. Through this lens we can understand why different individuals are more subordinated or dominant in the field of mobility in London. Moreover, it highlights the constant reworking individuals undertake of their mobility practices and provides a sociological understanding of the notion of "confidence" in navigating the city. I conclude by engaging my analysis with recent policy pushes to make London more disability and age friendly. This brings into question the notion of spontaneous travel, a stated goal of these policies, and calls for greater attention to the resources available to older adults in maintaining their mobility.
