Relative social ageing: a conceptual framework for understanding inequalities in later life

Purpose This paper aims to propose the concept of relative social aging to provide a sociological framework for understanding how aging processes are shaped by social contexts and inequalities rather than chronological age alone. Design/methodology/approach This paper develops a conceptual framework based on a narrative review of sociological and gerontological literature on aging, inequality and the life course. The approach synthesizes key theoretical contributions to articulate a relational understanding of aging trajectories. Findings The concept of relative social aging highlights how aging experiences are structured by social position, institutional arrangements and relational environments. This perspective challenges individualized and biomedicalized understandings of aging and emphasizes the role of social determinants in shaping later life outcomes. Originality/value By introducing the concept of relative social aging, this paper contributes to sociological debates on aging and inequality and provides a conceptual tool for analyzing variations in aging experiences across different social contexts.