Theorizing Aging in Nepal: Beyond the Biomedical Model

Parker, S, Khatatri, R, Cook, IG and Pant, B (2014) Theorizing Aging in Nepal: Beyond the Biomedical Model. Canadian Journal of Sociology, 39 (2). pp. 231-254. ISSN 0318-6431

Preview

Text AGING NEPAL CJSW 2014 ParkerKhatriCookPantED.pdf - Published Version Download (341kB) | Preview

Abstract

This paper has in part emerged from work recently undertaken by Parker and Pant under a British Academy funded Small Grant examining the phenomenon of aging in Nepal. This has enabled them to work in collaboration with the Nepal School of Social Work in Kathmandu to both generate locally relevant empirical research on aging and to facilitate the creation of spaces for dialogue on the implications of aging in Nepal. As a result of this project a network of key academics, activists, government policy makers and non-government organizations, both national and international, has been formed. The findings of this study reveal a lack of both empirical data and theoretical development on aging in Nepal. Aging in the west is often viewed from a biomedical perspective where the emphasis is on medical treatment and health and social care arrangements. Biomedicine also dominates international health strategies, organizations, and the funding streams for aid, of which Nepal is a recipient. Whilst longevity is clearly a positive outcome of development, it also presents health and social care dilemmas. This paper provides an opportunity to explore some of these key issues and highlights the need for practitioners, policy makers and the research community in Nepal to provide an open dialogue in which local, culturally appropriate decisions can be developed in the best interest of older people in Nepal. © Canadian Journal of Sociology/Cahiers canadiens de sociologie.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Social Sciences; Sociology; aging; Nepal; development; biomedical model; SOCIETY; OLD; aging; Nepal; development; biomedical model; 4409 Social Work; 44 Human Society; Aging; 8.1 Organisation and delivery of services; Generic health relevance; 1608 Sociology; Sociology; 4403 Demography; 4404 Development studies; 4410 Sociology
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions:	Humanities and Social Science
Publisher:	University of Alberta Library
Date of acceptance:	1 October 2014
Date of first compliant Open Access:	11 July 2025
Date Deposited:	11 Jul 2025 14:59
Last Modified:	11 Jul 2025 15:00
DOI or ID number:	10.29173/cjs22252
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26768

View Item