Macro Social Influences on Loneliness in Later Life: Towards a Better Understanding of the Loneliness Paradox in Europe [Hardcover]

This open access book explores the macro-social influences on loneliness in later life, emphasizing how societal structures, cultural contexts, and broader social transformations shape the experience of loneliness. Dedicated to the social construction of loneliness and the notable heterogeneity in its prevalence across European countries, this volume brings together a distinguished selection of experts who share their latest insights on meso- and macro-level influences, cultural and structural theories, and the impact of digitalization, climate change, and societal crises. Divided into five parts, the book addresses key aspects of this complex issue.

The first part introduces the central themes, outlining the relevance of loneliness as a societal concern and discussing the limitations of existing research, which predominantly focuses on individual-level factors. It highlights the need for a multi-level approach that incorporates micro, meso, and macro perspectives to fully understand the contextual influences on loneliness. The second part delves into theoretical perspectives, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding loneliness at different levels. It examines the interplay between individual, relational, and societal factors while also exploring cultural and social exclusion perspectives that shed light on how loneliness manifests across different contexts. The third part presents empirical evidence, focusing on variations in loneliness across different social groups and regions in Europe. It synthesizes research on micro- and meso-level determinants while also providing a review of macro-level influences. This part highlights the rolelÑ