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This open access book explores the macro-social influences on loneliness in later life, emphasizing how societal structures, cultural contexts, and broader social transformations shape the experience of loneliness. Dedicated to the social construction of loneliness and the notable heterogeneity in its prevalence across European countries, this volume brings together a distinguished selection of experts who share their latest insights on meso- and macro-level influences, cultural and structural theories, and the impact of digitalization, climate change, and societal crises. Divided into five parts, the book addresses key aspects of this complex issue.
The first part introduces the central themes, outlining the relevance of loneliness as a societal concern and discussing the limitations of existing research, which predominantly focuses on individual-level factors. It highlights the need for a multi-level approach that incorporates micro, meso, and macro perspectives to fully understand the contextual influences on loneliness. The second part delves into theoretical perspectives, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding loneliness at different levels. It examines the interplay between individual, relational, and societal factors while also exploring cultural and social exclusion perspectives that shed light on how loneliness manifests across different contexts. The third part presents empirical evidence, focusing on variations in loneliness across different social groups and regions in Europe. It synthesizes research on micro- and meso-level determinants while also providing a review of macro-level influences. This part highlights the role of welfare regimes, demographic trends, and broader societal conditions in shaping the prevalence and experience of loneliness. The fourth part explores recent societal developments that may influence loneliness, including digitalization, migration, climate change, and societal crises. These emerging topics illustrate how macro-level transformations can either alleviate or exacerbate loneliness, depending on how they interact with existing social structures and individual circumstances. The final part discusses methodological advancements and policy implications. It introduces an innovative approach to analyzing macro-social influences on loneliness and revisits the loneliness paradox in light of new findings. The book concludes with policy recommendations and future research directions, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that integrates individual, relational, and societal dimensions to develop more effective interventions against loneliness.
In sum, by adopting a macro-social lens, this book contributes to a deeper understanding of the societal, cultural, and policy-related determinants of loneliness. It offers a foundation for evidence-based interventions that go beyond individual-level solutions, recognizing loneliness as a socially embedded phenomenon shaped by broader societal forces. It is our hope and expectation that the book and its content will fundamentally change our understanding of loneliness and strategies to combat it.
Sommario
Part 1. Central Theme of the Book.- 1. Introduction. For a Macro-social Perspective on Loneliness (Marja Aartsen, Iuliana Precupetu, Bianca Suanet).- Part 2. Theoretical Perspectives.- 2. Theorizing Loneliness in Later Life - Micro, Meso, and Macro Perspectives (Fredrica Nyqvist, Joanna McHugh Power, Laura Coll-Planas).- 3. Unravelling the Socio-cultural Influence on Loneliness (Theo G. van Tilburg).- 4. Social Exclusion Perspective on Loneliness in Later Life (Sofie Van Regenmortel, Elisa Tiilikainen, Hanna Ristolainen, Vanessa Burholt, Lena Dahlberg).- Part 3. Empirical Dimensions.- 5. Loneliness Prevalence in Different Age Groups in Europe (Marian Vasile and Marja Aartsen).- 6. Understanding Late-Life Loneliness: Micro and Meso-Level Determinants (Sunwoo Lee).- 7. The Social Infrastructure of Loneliness. A Scoping Review of Societal Influences and their Implications (Laura Tufa).- Part 4. Recent Developments and Loneliness.- 8. Information and Communication Technologies and the Risk to Loneliness (Alexander Seifert).- 9. Climate Change and the Risk of Loneliness (Liat Ayalon).- 10. The Influence of Societal Crises on Social Integration and Loneliness (Lisa J. Klasen, Mareike Bünning, Nadiya Kelle, Clemens Tesch-Römer, Oliver Huxhold).- Part 5. Future Directions (11. Macro-level Influences on Loneliness in Later Life. An fsQCA Analysis (Iuliana Precupetu, Cosmina Pop, Marja Aartsen).- 12. And, You Know: There s such a thing as Society : Towards a Clarification of the Loneliness Paradox by a Macrofication of Loneliness Studies (Bianca Suanet and George Pavlidis).- 13. Policy Recommendations to Address Loneliness in Later Life (Mihaela Ghen a and Aniela Matei).- 14. Linking Life Course Theory to Multi-Level Explanations of Loneliness: Towards a Sociology of Loneliness (Bianca Suanet and Marja Aartsen).- 15. Loneliness Re-examined: Societal influences and Future Research Directions (Marja Aartsen, Bianca Suanet, Thomas Hansen, Iuliana Precupetu).
