GENPATH (GNP 187)

Social exclusion is a multifaceted social problem with substantial disruptive consequences for individuals and society. One aspect of social exclusion is the exclusion from social relations, which is the key focus of this proposal. Being socially connected is a universal basic human need, but a substantial number of people lack the essential social resources necessary for a healthy and happy life. GENPATH focusses on post-retirement age; a life phase where social inclusion becomes a crucial factor for health and wellbeing. Men and in particular women have an increased risk to be socially excluded after retirement. Women are more often frail, more often widowed, have lower levels of education, have more often disrupted working careers, lower pensions, and less economic resources. The large variation in social exclusion and the varying impact of gender across welfare states indicates a key role of the macro-social context. However, little is known about how precise the welfare state context influences the construction and outcomes of social exclusion. The proposed project aims at analysing the origin of gender differences in the prevalence and generation of exclusion from social relations across European countries, and consequences of this exclusion for health and wellbeing. Findings will inform the scientific debate about gender differences in and social exclusion and instruct policies towards a reduction in social exclusion among older men and women. GENPATH fits the SDG 5: Gender equality and SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing, in particular, the topics 1.2 and 1.3.

A life course perspective on the GENdered PATHways of Social exclusion in later life, and its consequences for health and wellbeing (GENPATH) GENPATH was an international comparative research programme involving seven countries. This project emphasised exclusion from social relations, asked for the root of social exclusion over the life course and analysed its' consequences in health and wellbeing in old age. The general objective of GENPATH was to provide scientific knowledge about the gendered nature of the pathway from early life socio-economic conditions, micro-, meso- and macro-influences to exclusion from social relations in later life, and the consequences for health and wellbeing in later life, and to inform policies and as well as social actors. Cross-national comparisons and comparisons between men and women within different contexts informed us about who is at risk of exclusion from social relations and hence require targeted policy and practice attention. GENPATH highlighted that social exclusion may have its roots in early life, but patterns of social exclusion over the life course differ for men and women. Women generally have lower education, more often disrupted labour force participation, lower pensions, and are more often widowed because of longer life expectancy. Specific findings of this project relate to : 1. Identifying the prevalence of exclusion from social relations and its risk factors in later life in Europe and how this vary across societies as well as between older men and women. 2. Unpacking the outcomes of exclusions from social relations in later life in Europe and how these vary across societies as well as between older men and women. 3. Exploring how variations in micro-, meso-, and macro-level drivers for exclusion, including the gendered social norms, key life transitions and exclusionary processes, help to explain cross-national and gender differences in the prevalence of exclusion from social relations. 4. Exploring moderating and mediating impacts of micro-, meso-, and macro-level factors (such as the gendered social norms, key life transitions and exclusionary processes) on outcomes of exclusion from social relations and do differences in the prevalence of these factors explain cross-national and gender differences in outcomes from exclusion from social relations. 5. Informing policy designs and practice interventions on the sources and possible ways to alleviate the negative outcomes of the exclusion from social relations in men and women during their life course. Findings can be used to inform the scientific debate about social exclusion and to inform policies to reduce exclusion from social relations in older men and women. They might be also useful for NGO organisations aiming at supporting older adults and can contribute to change in views and opinions on older adults.