The Discursive construction of elderly´s needs -A critical discourse analysis of political discussions in Sweden

Abstract: This thesis explores the political discourse´s portrayal of elderly needs in Sweden, as well as discourses the lived effects on the elderly population. The study is guided by the following research questions 1) What is the current political discourses construction of elderly´s needs? And 2) How could this discourse affect the elderly population? To fulfil the purpose and answer the research questions the study utilizes a critical discourse analysis. The study also employs a wide theoretical foundation with central concepts deriving both from a general sociological tradition, such as symbolic interactionism. As well as more specialized gerontological theories, such as ageism and structured dependency. By using a thematic analysis as well as a synthesising analysis the study provided both an in-depth and collected depiction of the discourse on elderly needs as well as its lived effects. The analysis found four thematics of interest, a) Emotional needs b) elderly´s need of others c) organizational needs and d) basic amenities. All of which were characterized by a dystopian and ageist portrayal of old age. Seemingly based on ageist stereotypes rather than the characteristics of the actual demographic. Similarly, the overall narrative showed that elderly where portrayed as a homogenized collective of others. The narrative also depicted elderly as a very simple, dependant and burdensome demographic. The lived effects were varied under the thematic analysis, these could be characterized under two overarching trends. Firstly, the risk that elderly embrace the dystopian role depicted in the discourse. Secondly the discourses skewed portrayal of elderly can lead to less effective and potentially destructive policies and resource allocation.