Aging Society as Late Modernity and “Radical Aging”

Towards a New Phase in Human Development

Abstract

Beginning with a historical recognition of aging society, this paper attempts to construct a framework which links the issue of human aging with social reform.
Firstly, this paper regards the historical context of aging society as a phase of “reflexive late modernity.” Secondly, based on this recognition, this paper critically examines social gerontological studies in Japan, and discusses the efficacy of the concept of human development. I will then introduce the concept of “radical aging.”
The following sections of this paper applies the term “radical aging” to a specific issue. In particular, the “turning point in midlife” in contemporary Japan is considered to be an intensive phenomenon of “radical aging.” As a result, “reflexive socialization” is introduced as a key concept of “radical aging.” In addition, this paper examines how this concept contributes to the issue of reforming the socio-cultural infrastructure.