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Asset-based approaches, older people and social care: an analysis and critique

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Abstract

Asset-based thinking is increasingly prevalent in health policy and is to be found also in discourses on social care. This article explores and critiques the applicability of asset-based approaches to social care for older people, using Carol Bacchi’s analytical framework to consider developments in the UK especially. The problem construction, assumptions and suggested solutions underpinning an asset-based approach are considered in turn. The paper draws two major conclusions. The first is that, while it has potential application to the field, the key assumptions and objectives of the asset-based approach do not hold well for social care and therefore adopting the approach carries risks. The paper concludes, secondly, that an asset-based approach is ‘over-promised’ in the sense of being insufficiently theorised and lacking empirical evidence. A number of suggestions are made for greater critical interrogation, improved empirical evidence and closer scrutiny of the policy ‘solutions’ associated with assets-related thinking.

Acceptance Date Dec 21, 2016
Publication Date Jun 1, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Ageing and Society
Print ISSN 0144-686X
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Pages 1087-1099
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/s0144686x17000071
Keywords asset-based approaches to health, social care, older people, social policy, gender and social care.
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0144686x17000071

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