Simmel’s Concept of Fashion and the Clothing of Contemporary Seniors: A Research Approach Cover Image

Simmlowska koncepcja mody a ubiór współczesnych seniorek i seniorów. Podejście badawcze
Simmel’s Concept of Fashion and the Clothing of Contemporary Seniors: A Research Approach

Author(s): Emilia Kramkowska
Subject(s): Anthropology, Gender Studies, Gerontology, Sociology of Culture
Published by: Instytut Studiów Politycznych PAN
Keywords: clothing; fashion; gender; senior citizens; Georg Simmel;

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the undiscussed and yet very interesting issue of fashion and the clothing of senior citizens. The issue is analyzed here in relation to Georg Simmel’s concept of fashion and specifically his idea of imitation and distinctiveness inscribed in the fashion system. Simmel seems to indicate that the social order determined by fashion is more often respected by women than by men. Therefore, the issue of fashion and clothing is discussed in relation to the gender of the individual. Age is also important. In her own research among people aged 60 and over (a diagnostic survey and interviews), the author of the article sought answers to the following questions: what do seniors think about the clothing of today’s older people? Do they think they dress fashionably – in the sense of following the spirit of modern times, which promotes youth? What determines the way seniors dress in contemporary Poland? The respondents were aware of a change in how seniors dress today and view the change positively. The fashion behavior of seniors is more often approved by women than by men and by younger seniors rather than older ones.

  • Issue Year: 64/2020
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 153-180
  • Page Count: 28
  • Language: Polish