`This is an interesting book, and the themes are important and well exemplified. On a policy level, the authors are clear and reasonable' - Contemporary Sociology
`Hockey and James explore and chart new territory in a stimulating and well-structured book. They introduce and summarise each stage of the argument logically, discuss analytical concepts and, by throrough documentation of experiences and examples, develop and reinforce the understanding of infantalisation processes, which they consider necessary to the achievement of change... The authors succeed in their aim of exploring issues and provide a promising basis for further empirical studies in this developing field. The book will be useful mainly to sociologists and social anthropologists, particularly students, researchers and teachers of social germontology, childhood and the life course. It may also interest policy makers and those involved in caring for dependent adults' - Sociology
`This very interesting volume examines the parallels between the dependency and powerlessness experienced in childhood and that experienced in later life, especially by those who live in residential care... Studies of the social aspects of ageing having been empirically rather than theoretically driven. This book offers a much needed change of perspective by examining important constructs such as dependency and independence which inform our experience of growing up and growing old. This stimulating book looks critically at the stigmatizing role that stereotypes play in the lives of particular groups, especially older people. For those interested in ageing, sociology, anthropology and issues relating to the analysis of the life course this is a very interesting and worthwhile read' - Medical Sociology News