A critical review and development of a conceptual model of exclusion from social relations for older people

Abstract

Social exclusion is complex and dynamic, and it leads to the non-realization of social, economic, political or cultural rights or participation within a society. This critical review takes stock of the literature on exclusion of social relations. Social relations are defined as comprising social resources, social connections and social networks. An evidence review group undertook a critical review which integrates, interprets and synthesizes information across studies to develop a conceptual model of exclusion from social relations. The resulting model is a subjective interpretation of the literature and is intended to be the starting point for further evaluations. The conceptual model identifies individual risks for exclusion from social relations (personal attributes, biological and neurological risk, retirement, socio-economic status, exclusion from material resources and migration). It incorporates the evaluation of social relations, and the influence of psychosocial resources and socioemotional processes, sociocultural, social-structural, environmental and policy contextual influences on exclusion from social relations. It includes distal outcomes of exclusion from social relations, that is, individual well-being, health and functioning, social opportunities and social cohesion. The dynamic relationships between elements of the model are also reported. We conclude that the model provides a subjective interpretation of the data and an excellent starting point for further phases of conceptual development and systematic evaluation(s). Future research needs to consider the use of sophisticated analytical tools and an interdisciplinary approach in order to understand the underlying biological and ecopsychosocial associations that contribute to individual and dynamic differences in the experience of exclusion from social relations.

Social Exclusion and Subjective Well-being Among Older Adults in Europe: Findings From the European Social Survey

“…Old age social exclusion involves multiple disadvantages that are derived from various factors including ageism, low socioeconomic status, declined social network, poor health, and urbanization ( Ellwardt et al, 2014 ; Fokkema et al, 2012 ; Tavernier & Aartsen, 2019 ; Walsh et al, 2017 ). Studies have shown that poor socioeconomic status significantly influences old age poverty, which, in turn, limits opportunities for travel, social participation, and interaction (e.g., Burholt et al, 2020 ; Chen et al, 2015 ). Negative life events, such as spousal bereavement, also significantly worsen the experience of social exclusion, including feelings of isolation and loneliness ( Cavalli & Bickel, 2007 ; MacLeod et al, 2019 ).…”

Advancing Research and Policy on Social Exclusion of Older People: Towards a Coherent and Critical Discourse

“…6). Drawing on a new conceptual model of exclusion from social relations (Burholt et al 2019), they identify a range of personal attributes and life experiences associated with this form of exclusion and highlight its impacts on older people's health, well-being and sense of belonging. The conceptual model is grounded in a dynamic, life-course perspective that recognises the ways in which exclusion from social relations varies according to time and place, social norms, cultural values and policies and, hence, across societies.…”

Two Dimensions of Social Exclusion: Economic Deprivation and Dynamics of Loneliness During Later Life in Europe

“…Usually, material resources are measured via indicators related to income or wealth, while social relations are measured via indicators of social contacts and social participation. Here we consider a more nuanced approach, on the one hand taking a comprehensive measure of material deprivation [also see Ogg and Myck, and Sumil-Laanemaa et al this volume] and on the other using loneliness as a reflection, or outcome of exclusion from social relations (Burholt et al 2019; see also Burholt and Aartsen, and Morgan et al this volume). Based on longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the aim of this chapter is to examine the dynamics of loneliness and to investigate the causal relationship between material resources and loneliness.…”