Old Age and Political Behavior

Old Age and Political Behavior: A Case Study offers an in-depth analysis of the intersection of aging, political engagement, and societal structures, focusing on California as a microcosm of these dynamics. The study, stemming from a Rockefeller Foundation-funded project conducted by the University of California’s Institute of Industrial Relations, examines how older adults navigate their evolving roles within a rapidly modernizing society. Against the backdrop of mid-20th century pension movements, particularly the activities of the California Institute of Social Welfare (CISW) led by George McLain, the book investigates the motivations, organizational structures, and broader societal impacts of aging populations entering the political arena.

The narrative explores the rise of old-age-focused political movements, emphasizing how they emerged in response to economic vulnerability, social isolation, and legislative frameworks. The CISW, with its roots in earlier populist efforts like the Townsend Plan and "Ham and Eggs" campaigns, reflects a shift from utopian ideals to pragmatic lobbying for incremental policy changes. Through this lens, the study illuminates the tensions between dependency, advocacy, and leadership, questioning whether such movements perpetuate the marginalization of their constituencies or serve as a vehicle for empowerment. The book provides a nuanced understanding of how aging populations, often excluded from traditional power structures, assert their influence, highlighting both the promise and pitfalls of their political mobilization.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1959.