Towards a Structural Embeddedness of Space in the Framework of the Social Exclusion of Older People

Abstract

Combating social exclusion of older adults is a key objective of European social policy. But from the beginning of the debate, social exclusion has mainly been interpreted as arising from economic circumstances. Doubts have been raised as to whether this narrow focus contributes to solving the problems identified. In particular, spatial aspects come to the fore, highlighting the fact that exclusion always happens in a specific place. However, spatial exclusion is often reduced to a territorial concept of ‘where’ the exclusion takes place. – but it is simplistic to state that everything happens in a space. The aim of this chapter is twofold. First, it presents a theoretical model, developed during and through the ROSEnet COST Action. The model integrates dimensions of age, space and exclusion in one perspective – the ASE Triangle. Second, this chapter explores the potential of the ASE Triangle to enhance our understanding of two specific European case studies of older people’s exclusion, in Greater Dublin – Ireland, and Nicosia – Cyprus. By ‘upgrading space’ as a theory-led idea we contribute to and challenge existing (human) gerontological theory of space. Similar to the exploration of a relational vision of space, our model does not only consider “experience” of space exclusion, but offers the possibility to simultaneously encompass it in societal processes.