Men's re-placement: Social practices in a Men's Shed. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anstiss, David; Hodgetts, Darrin; Stolte, Ottilie
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 51(2018:May)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.04.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Transitions into retirement can be difficult at the best of times. Many men find themselves having to reflect on who they are and what their lives are about. Their access to social supports and material resources are often disrupted. Men's Sheds offer a space where retired men can actively pursue wellbeing, and respond to disruption and loneliness through emplaced community practices. This paper draws on ethnographic research in a Men's Shed in Auckland, New Zealand in order to explore the social practices through which men create a shared space for themselves in which they can engage in meaningful relationships with each other. We document how participants work in concert to create a space in which they can be together through collective labour. Their emplacement in the shed affords opportunities for supported transitions into retirement and for engaging healthy lives beyond paid employment. Highlights: In leaving paid employment, Sheddies home themselves at the Shed and dwell there. Shared projects establish continuity and familiarity through material and social practice. Sheddies create a place to participate in shared ageing, collaboration, and support.