Abstract This paper examines the history of the entitlement of women in the Canadianold-agepensionsystem. The paper points out that, although at first limited, the scope of Canadianwomen's enfranchisement in the successive public pensions schemes instituted between 1928 and 1985 did gradually widen, allowing more and more women to receive pensions. The working premise of the paper is that this progress was foremost the fruits of women's own labors, literally as well as figuratively.
Women in effect earned the right to a pension by earning a living in increasing numbers. The paper concludes that, in order to do this, women had to overcome the prevailing social mores, prejudices, institutional resistance and male-dominated cultural stereotypes.
From the Paper "Data from the 1901 Canadian Census records a total male population of 2,066,000 and a total female population of 1,957,000. Out of this 1,618,000 men but only 215,000 women were gainfully employed; in other words, 78.3 percent of Canadian males earned their living by working whereas only 14.4 percent of Canadian women did. (Series D107) Some thirty years later, on the heels of Canada's first full-fledged public pension, 78.5 percent of Canada's 4,206,000 men and 19.4 percent of its women were gainfully employed. The raw numbers are particularly revealing: 3,296,000 men but only 752,000 women reported having a job. Yet, even if these results are skewered by the Great Depression, there were still over three times as many women working in 1931 than 1901."
Abstract This paper discusses the three major re-examinations of the pensionsystem that have occurred in Canada since the 1980s. It looks at the current system and analyzes whether any significant changes have resulted from the re-examinations. This paper argues that there has been little real change to the pensionsystem over the last three decades.
From the Paper "However, the difficulty in reaching definitive conclusions about issues that embrace complex matters pertaining to both finances and politics is illustrated by the fact that different theorists have completely different views as to the fundamental issue of whether there has in fact been much change in pension policies in Canada since the 1980s. On the one hand, Beland and Myles are convinced that changes have been modest, stating that "relatively little has changed to the basic pension design constructed in the 1950s and 1960s" (253). Hence, Beland and Myles are concerned with explaining why change has been so modest. Similarly, Myles and Pierson refer to pension changes in Canada quite dismissively as "modest changes" (331)."
Abstract The paper discusses a looming problem for the European Union and its welfare states Denmark and Spain. He stresses the fact that, on the one hand, people are retiring at younger ages and living longer, and on the other hand there are fewer people to contribute to pension funds due to decreasing populations and the use of technology instead of labor. The paper examines the pension schemes and demographic trends of Denmark and Spain and gives an overview of the welfare state.
From the Paper "As Spain moves into the twenty first century, many of its citizens are being forced to give up long-cherished traditional lifestyles to come to terms with new societal demands. Traditionally in Spain, the elderly have lived with their children. But several factors are combining to change that tradition. One of those factors is increasing educational levels for women. As has been reported in numerous studies, as women's educational levels rise the number of children they have decreases. Today's Spanish women are entering the workforce, leaving them less able to take care of elderly relatives in the home."
Abstract The author of the paper makes a study of the stereotypes associated with oldage. Through an interview with an elderly woman, the writer attempts to show how these stereotypes are reflected in the subject of his interview. The writer attempts to show that making assumptions regarding a particular person on the basis of stereotypes or pre-formed conclusions can often lead us to make unjustified assumptions regarding individuals and categories of people.
From the Paper "Mrs. N--defied a number of stereotypes about the elderly during the interview, and also one research study which noted: "Gerontologists have long noted that people tend to disassociate themselves from the category of being old" (Jones 2006: 79). Mrs. N--did refer to herself as old, saying that she had experienced a loss, mainly because of her accident, and she blamed herself to some degree for the accident, saying that if she had been as sharp as she had been in her youth she would never have been caught by surprise. However, her refusal to go to an assisted living community because she did not want to only be around old people all of the time, or told when to eat and sleep--'being around a mix of old and young, children and people my age is natural, which you don't get in one of those senior places'--did show some defiance of the aging process. Overall, while her positive memories and portrayal of her struggles as a young woman could be read as a positivity bias, typical of older adults who want or need to remember the past as 'better' or fulfilling when gazing upon the next life stage, Mrs. N-- seemed to have a strongly realistic yet positive view of the world and her future years as an 'older person' that might be comforting to many people facing old age (Quinn, Mather, & Carstensen 2004:208)"
Abstract This essay compares and contrasts two articles that deal with age as an area of social historical concern in terms of their overall contribution to the this topic. The articles to be analyzed are "Cartoons and Commissions: Advice to Junior Farmers in Post war Ontario", by Linda Ambrose and "Renovating the CanadianOldAge Home: The Evolution of Residential Care Facilities in BC 1930-1960", by Megan J. Davies. The essay briefly outlines the content of the two papers and attempts to answer the following questions: What are the major focuses of the authors in respect to the subject of age? Have these focuses changed over time? Which author makes a more substantial contribution to the question of age in social history and why?
Abstract The paper looks at why the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and OldAge Security pension were brought into existence and explores additional, pertinent acts at the provincial level. The paper then discusses how retirees can ensure they receive CPP/employee benefits and concludes by looking at how the federal acts impact other, provincial acts. The paper highlights the importance of understanding the pension process in Canada and its dynamics.
From the Paper "To begin with, the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security Pension were both established because it was evident by the early war years that something needed to be done to assist the elderly in their declining years; in particular, these men and women simply did not have enough money to ensure themselves a comfortable, or even adequate, standard of living after retirement. With that in mind, 1951 saw section 94A added to the British North American Act (now the Constitution Act, 1867). The new addition stated that the federal government could enact laws pertaining to old age pensions along as the legislation did not affect laws administered in the provinces. One year later, courtesy the new powers granted under section 94A, the universal Old Age Security Program was put into place, but only for Canadians aged 70 and above."
Abstract The paper discusses how we can ascertain what agingwomen expect their futures to be like and how they view oldage by reading their poetry and other writings. In "When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple," (also known as "Warning") we learn that agingwomen are released from the tyranny of physical beauty. They are free to tap into themselves and rediscover the old liveliness lying dormant since they were young children. The poem offers a positive approach to aging and opens a vista of freedom and possibilities. The poem makes the revolutionary statement that aging isn't so bad after all.
Contents:
Method
Analysis
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "The poem is a reassurance to these women that old age has some positive aspects and is something to which they can look forward. In just a few years, they will no longer have to continue their efforts to maintain society's ideal of beauty--that is, a youthful and thin appearance. The poem, taken as a whole, also implies that it is a relief not to have to be sexually attractive to men anymore: "You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat..." In other words, there is freedom in not having to dress for other people, particularly for the male gaze, anymore. The first time I read this poem, I was reminded of my mother. When she reached the age of 79 and her 80th birthday was coming up soon, she gave up wearing a corset because, as she quietly explained to me, "I have reached an age now where I have a right to be comfortable.""
Abstract The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) was introduced by the Government under the Pensions Act 2004 in order to protect members of private sector defined benefit schemes whose firms become insolvent with insufficient funds in their pension scheme. This paper begins with background discussion on the overall operation of the U.K. pensionssystem in order to demonstrate the context within which the defined benefit occupational trust scheme, and thus the protection conferred by the PPF, operates. It then examines the origins of the fund amid a growing crisis of deficient pensions funds, before detailing how it operates in practice. The key arguments in support of the title statement are then discussed, and evaluated through consideration of measures that have been taken in order to alleviate any such unnecessary burdens.
Outline:
Abstract
Background
The Role of the Trust in Pensions and the Growing Pensions Crisis
The Origins and Operation of the Pension Protection Fund
The 'Burden' of the Pension Protection Fund
Easing the Burden
Conclusions: An 'Unnecessary' Burden?
From the Paper "Occupational pension schemes are in almost all cases established in the form of a trust . There are a number of advantageous reasons for this. Firstly, the use of the trust instrument allows for a number of benefits in relation to tax liability; provided that the scheme is 'approved' by the Inland Revenue, the investments made using the trust fund are free from both income and capital gains taxation, whilst additional tax reliefs exist in respect of the contributions to the fund from both the employee and the employer . Secondly the trust represents a "cheap and flexible vehicle" , allowing a scheme to be established in any such way as the employer wishes; consequently allowing it to set the 'balance of power' over the fund in its favour."
Abstract The paper studies and compares the education systems and their goals in Canadian and the United States. It shows that these school systems share many aspects, including a striving for better education, a constant drive for better technology and a consistent effort to better educate their students. The paper explains that while the methods of instruction and the funding for the system may differ, each share the common goal of a quality education for all students. It argues that, by learning from some successes of Canadian schools, the United States could further its ability to better educate all students in the system. In today's global economy, and in the age of information, there can be no substitute for education. It shows that if, by learning from other nations, the United States is able to provide a better education to the people, then the sanctioning bodies must come together in unity.
From the Paper "The first of these values is equality of access. This value used to be defined as making public education available to a thin population across an entire continent (Fleming, 1997). Currently, equality of access is seen mainly as the eradication of the barriers to education caused by language, gender, race, or physical or mental disability. In fact, the Canadian Council of Ministries of Education, in their Pan-Canadian Protocol for Collaboration on School Curriculum in 1997 stated, ?The ministers wish all citizens to have a fair and equitable opportunity in education and wish to provide increased accessibility to education.?
Closely related to this fair education policy is the value of equality of educational opportunity. This value is described as the idea that the quality and choice of educational programs should not be lessened by where a person lives (Fleming, 1997). As part of the Pan-Canadian Protocol (1997), the ministry stated that one of the objectives of the Corroboration was the ?application of technology to curriculum and the use of distance education for delivery.?
Abstract This essay explores the issue of oldage, both positive and negative within the environment of the poem. The paper touches on how oldage is viewed in modern society today. "Ulysses" is an age-old tale of a man's collected experience and journey around the ancient world. How did his experiences shape his view on oldage? Has anything changed since Lord Tennyson's time? How does this view on oldage comment upon Tennyson's thoughts? This paper attempts to explore these questions.
From the Paper "The view of old age has not changed over the centuries. It is still seen as a negative by society as youth is glorified. Still Ulysses has realized that death is a stage of life everyone must face eventually. Just because one is older does not mean the elderly do not have value to their community. Ulysses still has much left to accomplish. Tennyson emphasizes this idea by utilizing imagery incorporating the stars. The imagery of light equals newness or the dawn of a new day. I think it is all too uncommon for today's elderly to feel like they have lost value or potential to shine. It is society's fault for not valuing wisdom that comes with years of experience. It is not a trend but part of human nature."
Abstract This paper looks at the physical and mental aspects of aging, exploring how people regard oldage. This includes how old people feel about being old, what they regret most about oldage, what they feel about young people and oldage as a state of mind.
From the Paper "While aging takes its toll on the body and there are many effects of aging which we simply cannot escape from, there are also many misconceptions held about aging especially by younger people. For instance, many people believe that when you grow old, there is no potential for growth, learning and being actively engaged in life. While this is true of some people, it is not true for the majority of the elderly who live happy productive lives."
This paper discusses factors that might lead to loss of identity during aging and looks at what practical support care workers can give during this life stage.
Abstract In this article, the writer assesses what factors may lead to the loss of identity in one particular group in society; the elderly. Indeed, the writer notes that examining the loss of identity in oldage is a very pertinent subject for the social scientist. Identity loss is very often accompanied by the onset of oldage and therefore this preponderance makes it a valid place to begin. The study of what causes identity loss in oldage therefore forms the first part of this work. Following this, the writer offers a brief examination as to what methods social care practitioners can employ when attempting to counter such developments in the elderly.
From the Paper "One of the most prominent factors that can result in loss of identity occurs when significant and prolonged change takes place within an individuals life circumstances. Now although such change can occur under a variety of auspices, the onset of old age is one of the most prominent. The general factors that allow identity to be fostered and nourished, i.e. work, home environment, family and friends, societal contacts etc are the very factors that tend to become unstable in later life. Family and friends, particularly if they relative contemporaries in age often die, leaving only the individual remaining. The individual concerned may be living in the same house, alongside all the identity forming belongings they have accumulated over the years. However, without the human element of the home environment, identity loss can often be the result of such circumstances. Naturally, retirement leads to the almost complete loss of identity provided by employment."
Abstract This paper is a compare and contrast analysis of the characteristics and effects of oldage on man compared to their younger fellow species. It looks at the differences in physical and psychological states and examines the dread of some at becoming old and the measures people take to try and slow down the condition. It also reviews various pieces of literature on the topic of oldage and the elderly.
From the Paper "Young people burst with energy and life. Their days are filled with physical activity, games, sports, and mischief. Older adults usually do not exhibit any mischievous traits, which may be an unfortunate side effect of aging. A little bit of playfulness can boost saddened spirits. Both seniors and adolescents seem prone to melancholy and depression; it seems that with regards to mental, emotional, and psychological health, old age and youth have much in common. Likewise, the body seems to basically begin going in reverse after middle age. Teeth and hair fall out and bones shrink."
Tags: youth, wisdom, seniors, adolescents, life, death
Abstract This paper discusses how middle-aged and senior individuals are increasingly beginning to appear as vibrant actors in society and culture, boosted both by the demographic change in the nation and the significant advances in gerontology that have so lengthened the senior years of life. It examines the question of whether people moving from middle age to oldage reduce their number of interpersonal relationships and contacts with society in general or whether oldage can be consistent with active participation in the creation of society.
From the Paper "It would be absurd to suggest that aging follows the same processes in all cultures, or that it is even sociologically similar in various subcultures. The experience of a native man or woman growing into an elder of a tribal society is surely vastly different than the experience of an third-world industrial worker becoming elderly, which in turn is different than the experiences of our postmodern elderly in the information society that rules America. So this work will limit itself to discussing the phenomena of aging within mainstream American culture. Yet even within mainstream America, it appears that there are at least two distinct sorts of senior cultures, with distinct styles of aging."
Abstract This paper explains that, in America, oldage is not generally perceived as a proud accomplishment; the accumulated wisdom of older people is not respected but more often dismissed as being out of touch with modern ideas. The author points out that society euphemistically labels a retiree as a "senior citizen", but this seniority differs from that of a younger worker's honored position; it heralds a time of diminished income and productivity rather than progress. The paper emphasizes that, in defending the right to die with dignity, death is not the worst that can happen in this life, but rather life without dignity or sensitivity is the greatest threat society faces.
From the Paper "We are embarrassed by the idea of the elderly being sexy or provocative. Many react with amusement or disapproval when the elderly are open about being sexually active; the elderly man who retains his sexual interest earns the label of "dirty old man." We never hear about dirty young men because they are granted tacit social approval to be sexual. Elderly women are generally seen to have even less sexual appeal than elderly men."
