AGED WORKERS IN THE SERVICE SECTOR

Abstract

The aged are often portrayed as "happy retirees". This is reinforced in our daily interactions with each other and other institutions. However, evidence shows that a substantial number of the aged population in Singapore are still in continued labour beyond retirement age and many work in the service sector earning low wages. Using the political economy perspective, this study tries to provide a holistic understanding of the position of the aged in today's society. The first aim of this study is to understand why certain segments of the aged population are in the low-paid service occupation. A second aim is to understand the nature of the working experience of the aged service worker. The dramaturgical approach was deployed by portraying service work as 'invisible'. The study explains how the invisible marginalised aged is 'appropriate' for cleaning, a back region work necessary for successful impression management. Findings reveal the dynamics of status maintenance amidst influences from society, economy and polity that determine the aging, work and retirement experience of the elderly. The findings also reveal that the aged is not a homogenous group but are instead divided along class and gender lines. This study hopes to contribute to the increasing of the visibility of the aged and their problems. Only with visibility of problems, will solutions come forth.