Description
In a time of rapidly evolving technology, cultural norms and economic conditions, interactions and (dis)identifications across generations have become more significant and increasingly complex. The distinctions between biological, emotional, and physical age are now blurred, challenging the traditional linear view of ageing. This affects how ageing is perceived, experienced and portrayed, from the human body to the evolution of cities and cultural practices. In the digital age, the anti-ageing discourse demands an examination of social media’s influence on ageing perceptions, the commercialization of anti-ageing products, and the effects on self-esteem and societal expectations.Key questions arise: How do cultural objects and practices shape behaviours and representations of ageing? How do literature, film, music, and the visual arts depict the ageing process? Or how does culture construct ageing by setting standards on what it is to be a child, a teenager, or an elder? It is also crucial to shed light on the different representations of ageing, whether from childhood (Ariès 1965) to youth (Savage 2007) or adulthood to old age (Swift and Steeden 2020). This also impacts the study of generational clashes, examining how different age groups interact and conflict within various cultural contexts and how this has been discussed in literature and media (Gardner and Macky 2012).
Moreover, representations of ageing are often gendered, with negative connotations for women. Feminist perspectives are crucial in redefining “successful ageing” and exploring how beauty standards affect both
younger and older generations. Age and identity are closely linked, with generations defined by shared historical experiences. In the workplace, age diversity introduces both conflict and cooperation, with five generations cohabiting the workforce—Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
This conference aims to address what Simone de Beauvoir termed the “conspiracy of silence surrounding ageing,” examining biases and strategies to overcome intergenerational disparities. How can we foster respect and understanding among generations? How can we overcome generational gaps to promote social innovation and resilience? In what ways do generational differences present both challenges and opportunities for societal cohesion? We invite contributions discussing the multifaceted concept of ageing and intergenerational dynamics.
| Period | 3 Apr 2025 → 4 Apr 2025 |
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| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Lisbon, PortugalShow on map |