Discourse analysis , Conversation Analysis, Ethnomethodology, Ethnography; Interactional Construction of identity in relation to ethnic, gender, age membership; Caregiving of older disabled people, interinstitutional support networks; Technologically Mediated Communication;Ethical issues in research
Protection of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors in Two European Union Countries: (Re)Acting) or Being (In)Different? Maria Irene de Carvalho, Isabela Paoletti Revista Critica De Ciencias Sociais, 2023 Although the European Union is a region of democratic values and social justice, with respect to the topic of unaccompanied migrant minors it remains an area of symbolic walls and borders between countries. Unaccompanied migrant minors and separated children are a risk group who enjoy recognised rights allowing for special protection, but such rights are not always acknowledged in practice. This article explores and analyses some of the main policies and national programmes for the protection of these minors in Italy and Portugal. Based on the relevant literature and legislation existing in these countries, this exploratory study critically highlights the pathways of protection and integration of unaccompanied migrant minors. Whereas the legal framework appears to focus mainly on the immediate basic needs, it is important to activate inclusive, consistent and durable policies that guarantee actual and holistic special protection to unaccompanied migrant minors.
Moral awareness and different orders of relevance in participatory research with older people and professionals Isabella Paoletti, Elisabet Cedersund, Konstantin Economou International Journal of Action Research, 2023 Limitations are described in the literature in relation to the actual involvement of older people in action research activities. Empirical social research involving any form of data collection has an impact on the people and the setting studied. Researchers should strive to be morally aware of such an impact. The article describes case studies of participatory research in Sweden, Italy and Portugal. It highlights moral issues confronted by researchers. Moreover actual examples of different order of priorities among researchers and participants are provided. The study shows possible spaces for collaboration, while recognizing the difference of interests and priorities among researchers and participants.
Drawing attention to the oldest old women Isabella Paoletti Older Women in Europe A Human Rights Based Approach, 2022 The most significant aspect of population ageing in Europe is the very fast increase of the oldest old cohort. In the EU-27 the number of people aged 85 and over was 12.5 million in 2019 and it is projected to rise to 26.8 million by 2050. The oldest old women represent the great majority of the 80+ age group. In the EU-27, there are about two women for every three very old people, even if the gap is slowly reducing. Considering the number of oldest old women and the fast increase in this number and the impact it may have on European health and social support systems, the literature on this topic is scarce, as has been pointed out by various authors. The oldest old women are also almost invisible in policy documents. It is time to draw attention to issues relevant to the oldest old women and to problematise ageist and sexist attitudes towards them. This chapter points out some important and specific rights of the oldest old women that need to be acknowledged and protected. Considering unequal ageing from an intersectional life course perspective (Holman & Walker, 2021) effective legislation should be implemented, together with adequate monitoring.
