An Intersubjective Perspective on Social Cognition and Aging

Abstract

This article offers an intersubjective perspective on the topic of social cognition and aging. We begin by outlining the essential differences between an intersubjective perspective and the more traditional subjectivist perspective, as developed in earlier articles by Ickes and Gonzalez (1994, 1996). We then suggest how 2 intersubjectivist approaches-Schutz's (1970) perspective on phenomenology and social relations and Wegner, Giuliano, and Hertel's (1985) perspective on cognitive interdependence-might be applied to the study of social cognition and aging. For each of these intersubjectivist approaches, we propose both general avenues for research and a number of more specific hypotheses.