Research in Social Gerontology: Observe, Understand or Explain?

Abstract

AbstractFrançois Béland in his appraisal identifies certain peculiarities characteristic of research in Social Sciences in Gerontology in Quebec; however, he seems somewhat unfamiliar with the material in question. Béland does not retrace the history of Gerontology in Quebec, nor does he situate it in its social, political, economical and cultural context; this would have been quite beneficial when trying to determine the future course of research. The present commentary attempts to lay the groundwork for such an undertaking and suggests that the growing strength of the Welfare-State and of Quebec nationalism accounts for the major characteristics found in the material compiled by Béland.