Ambivalent Atheism: Neoliberalism and Old Age

Synopsis: Podcast. THINKING ALOUD is a BBC 4 radio discussion series first broadcast in 1998 and hosted by Laurie Taylor focusing on the latest social science research. In this edition Laurie Taylor talks to Lois Lee, Research Associate with the Institute of Advanced Studies at University College, London. In the UK today a variety of identity labels exist which articulate non belief - atheist, agnostic, humanist, secular, rationalist, free thinker and sceptic. Most of these terms are associated with organised and activist forms of non religion. But what of the ambivalent atheist, whose beliefs may be fuzzier, less clear cut? They’re joined by the philosopher, Julian Baggini. Also, old age and neoliberalism. John Macnicol, one of Europe’s leading academic analysts of old age and ageing, asks if the idea of retirement is being replaced by the belief that citizens should (or be forced to) work later in life. In a harsher economy is the notion of old age, as a protected stage of life, becoming increasingly anachronistic?
Series: Thinking Aloud
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2015
Year of production: 2015
Subjects: Social Studies; Religious studies
Keywords: ageing; old people; atheism

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