Socio-Gerontechnology is a network of international researchers who share an interest in exploring the entanglements of ageing and technologies. The network seeks to strengthen critical and reflexive thinking and research by emphasising the complex and co-constitutive relationship between ageing, technology and society. It brings together international scholars with a variety of disciplinary backgrounds (including critical and cultural gerontology, Science and Technology Studies (STS), sociology, anthropology, age studies and education) and provides a forum for productive, open and supportive exchange and dialogue, with the aim of fostering curiosity, reflexivity and enthusiasm for researching the topic. The network embraces both early and more established academic scholars, but in particular welcomes and supports early career scholars.
In spite of the diversity, network members share an interest in the following two pillars:
- Contemporary theorising to further our understanding of the complex co-constitution of ageing, technology and society, including a curiosity towards the development and combination of new and various methods conducive to our knowledge production.
- Critical, reflexive and constructive contributions to the development, design and implementation of technologies. Network members share an interest in contributing and engaging with the field, through various means such as research, collaboration with care workers, engineers and designers, and political actors.
Our network aims to
- To provide an engaging and supportive international and interdisciplinary forum for critical discussions on theories, methodologies and ontologies of ageing and technologies
- To enhance interdisciplinary understanding and exploration of theories, methodologies and methods related to technology and ageing
- To develop joint projects and publications and other types of knowledge dissemination
- To engage with wider academic and non-academic international communities
- To develop a reputation as a recognisable critical voice for funders and policy makers working in the interdisciplinary field of ageing and technology
- To increase legitimacy and visibility of Socio-gerontechnology, within and outside of academia, by working with diverse publics to collaborate, share ideas and disseminate our activities and research
- To enhance education and training opportunities for current and future Socio-gerontechnology scholars