LIVING ON THE MARGINS:

Abstract

This article argues that in both policy and economic debates the specifically local experiences of older people living in deprived neighbourhoods have been ignored. It describes research undertaken in an area of material deprivation and low access to ‘social capital’, on the margins of Middlesbrough both geographically and socially. A health and lifestyle survey of older people in the area was supplemented by Community Futures Workshops at which residents discussed problems and solutions. Main concerns raised were a fear of crime and the need for better maintenance of the area, better transport and locally provided health services. Beyond this, residents spoke of a need for older people to be valued rather than relegated to the margins. Their experiences are contrasted with those of older people living in a materially advantaged neighbourhood to highlight the specific problems experienced as a product of social and geographical place.

Acknowledgments

A number of people have assisted us in carrying out this research. We would like to thank the older people of Beckfield who completed the questionnaires and attended the workshops. We are especially grateful to the older people who helped with distributing and collecting the questionnaires. Middlesbrough Corporate Resource Unit organised the workshops and assisted with the questionnaires. Francesca Sapsford and Angela Godfrey assisted with data collection and analysis for some of the research reported on in this article.

Notes

Pamela Abbott, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK, and Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna, Austria. Correspondence to: Professor Pamela Abbott, Britannia Building, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK. E-mail: [email protected]

Roger Sapsford, University of Teesside, Teesside, UK

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pamela Abbott

Pamela Abbott, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK, and Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna, Austria. Correspondence to: Professor Pamela Abbott, Britannia Building, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK. E-mail: [email protected] Roger Sapsford, University of Teesside, Teesside, UK