DISCOURSES ABOUT THE ELDERLY: SEXUALITY AND SUBJECTIVITY

Abstract

The aim of this research is describing the form in which elders’ sexuality is represented in various discursive processes. This specific theme came into focus due to the fact that, over the last years, there has been an increase in the elderly population, and it has become an object of a discursive practice which gave rise to the new elder’s image. Amongst the practices that are particular to this subjectivity, there is an active sexuality. From a discursive perspective based on the theories formulated by Michel Foucault, an enunciate series composed by several texts in which the elders’ sexuality is approached. This series is analyzed based on concepts by Foucault, such as objectivation, subjectivation, discursive practices and sexuality apparatus, in order to point out recurrent strategies in the creation of an elder’s sexuality discourse. The analysis points to the representation of elders’ sexuality is different in objectivation and subjectivation processes.

Key-words:
Discourse; Dispositive; Sexuality; Elder