Matters of Age: An Introduction to Ageing, Intergenerationality and Gender in Africa

abstract

This introductory essay to this special issue of Agenda draws together a wide-ranging, cross-disciplinary literature on ageing, intergenerationality and gender, and locates the significance of writing from Africa within this context. The first half of the essay provides a critical and comprehensive review of available literature in the field, highlighting the significance of research and writing on the ways in which gender mediates ageing and intergenerationality as both process and emotional space. The latter half of the essay engages the significance of the depth of contributions in this issue as critical in the conversation around ageing, gender, and intergenerationality in the context of Africa and the South, and the need for perspectives from multiple disciplines to continue engaging the field through both scholarship and advocacy.

Keywords:

• Ageing
• intergenerationality
• gender
• Africa

Acknowledgements

The guest editors of this issue acknowledge the authors who contributed to this edition, and are indebted to the various reviewers who painstakingly and rigorously assisted with manuscript reviews, including also reviews of revisions. Consistently helpful guidance, support and advice from Managing Editor, Lou Haysom, as well as the Editorial Advisory Group of Agenda has been deeply appreciated. Special thanks to colleagues, friends, partners, family and friends, some of whom need special mention in no order of priority: Lebo Moletsane, Errolyn Long, Sudeshan Reddy, Damian Samuels, Tommy Sanger (1925 – 2012), and Appiammah Reddy (1917 – 2011).