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Local biology: bodies of difference in ageing studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 1999

PIA C. KONTOS
PIA C. KONTOS
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Canada
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Abstract

In this article I critically examine the biology/culture dualism in the context of old age. Regarding the contextualisation of the interrelationship between biology and culture, previous studies have not adequately explored the interaction between the physiological process of ageing, the physical and social surroundings of the body and the body's intentionality. I suggest ways in which anthropological and feminist advances in deconstructions and reconstructions of the body can be deployed in the study of old age. In particular I draw upon Margaret Lock's concept of ‘local biology’. This offers an opportunity for the development of gerontological theory that focuses upon the interactions between the ageing body, its experience and its locality.

Keywords

Old agebodyculturelocal biologycritical gerontologyhome-place
Type
Research Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 19 , Issue 6 , November 1999 , pp. 677 - 689
Copyright
© 1999 Cambridge University Press

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