Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements

Chapter One: Introduction, Context, and Background
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Inadequacies of Current Literature and New Dimension of the Research
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
1.3 Research Questions and Specific Objectives

Chapter Two: Theoretical Considerations
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Downside of Colonialism and Alternative Theoretical Frameworks
2.2 Old Age, Poverty, and Re-appraising the Role of the State in Social Policy
2.3 The Concept of Social Security and Social Protection
2.4 Conceptualising Social Capital and Collective Agency
2.5 Feminist Critiques on the Welfare State and Women’s Subordination

Chapter Three: Social Security and the African Perspective
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Social Protection and Traditional Support Mechanisms
3.2 Mapping the Social Security Institutions and Protection Policies in Africa

Chapter Four: Social Security and Elderly Welfare Support in Cameroon
4.0 Introduction
4.1 History, Economic Perspective, and Political Conditions
4.2 Ageing and Social Security in Cameroon
4.3 Administration and Social Security Regime in Cameroon
4.4 Pitfalls of Cameroon’s Social Security System
4.5 Alternative Forms of Reciprocity, Mutual Support, and Social Security

Chapter Five: Gender Dynamics of Population Ageing
5.0 Introduction
5.1 An Overview of Gender and Ageing in Africa
5.2 Socio-Economic Perspectives on Gender and Ageing
5.3 Women, Widowhood, and Ageing
5.4 Bringing Men into the Discourse on Ageing
5.5 Situating the Debate on Gender and Formal Social Security
5.6 Gender Concerns and Informal Social Security Arrangements


Chapter Six: Research Methods
6.0 Introduction
6.1 Period of Research
6.2 Location of the Research
6.3 Sample and Sampling Frame
6.4 Conduct of Interviews
6.5 Participant Observation
6.6 Focus Group Discussion
6.7 Data Analysis

Chapter Seven: Data Analysis, Presentation of Findings, and Field Results
7.0 Introduction
7.1 Socio-Demographic Variables
7.2 Conclusion

Chapter Eight: Older People’s Narratives
8.0 Introduction
8.1 Debunking the Myth of Old People as a Burden
8.2 Cultural Attributes Connected to Old People
8.3 Plight, Coping Mechanisms and Livelihood of Old People in Rural Semi-Urban, and Urban Areas
8.4 Building Social Capital, Forms of Reciprocity, and Networking
8.5 Variations in Levels of Care for Old People and Impact of Remittances
8.6 Old People and the Negotiation of Livelihoods in the Informal Sector
8.7 Kinship-Based and Other Traditional Forms of Support
8.8 Faith-Based Support for Old People
8.9 Elder abuse and Forms of Disrespect
8.10 Redressing the Plight of the Elderly: Viewpoints and Suggestions from Interviewees Themselves
8.11 Dilemma of Widows and Widowers

Chapter Nine: Filling the Gaps: Building Social Capital and Semi-formal Protection Schemes
9.0 Introduction
9.1 Mutual Societies and Social Protection
9.2 Police Wives Social Group-GMI/G Bamenda
9.3 Njangis and Semi-formal Coverage: Case of Wimbum Women’s and Men’s Njangi
9.4 Semi-Formal Protection within Professional Corps: Cameroon Teachers Trade Union and Secondary Education Teachers Socials
9.5 Faith-based Organizations and Social Protection: Case of the Christian Women’s Fellowship and Muslim Religion
9.6 Village-based Organizations and Social Protection: Mbororo Social, Cultural, and Development Association and Wimbum Cultural and Development Association
9.7 Conclusion

Chapter 10: Conclusion, Social Policy Implications, and Recommendations
10.0 Introduction
10.1 Conclusion
10.2 Social Policy Implications and Recommendations

Bibliography