Envejecimiento y dinámica familiar: un enfoque interseccional

Zoraida Cárdenas-Ramos; Carmenza Sanchez-Quintero; Abel Soto-Higuera

doi:10.7179/PSRI_2026.48.13

Authors

Zoraida Cárdenas-Ramos Universidad de Caldas (Colombia) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1919-1102
Carmenza Sanchez-Quintero Universidad de Caldas (Colombia) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9650-7046
Abel Soto-Higuera Universidad de La Frontera (Chile) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7247-4198

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7179/PSRI_2026.48.13

Keywords:

Family life, quality of life, state policy, older adults, cultural pluralism

Abstract

This article analyze family dynamics, intergenerational relationships, and support networks in the aging process from an intersectional perspective that recognizes the influence of factors such as gender, social class, environment, and life trajectories on quality of life in old age. The objective was to map the scientific field on aging and family, identify its main theoretical and methodological trends, and contribute inputs for the formulation of inclusive and culturally sensitive public policies. A scientometric methodology was used based on the analysis of 584 documents published in Scopus between 2010 and 2024. The data was processed using Bibliometrix software and the Tree of Science model, which allowed the knowledge to be organized into three levels: theoretical foundations (roots), structural studies (trunk), and contemporary lines of research (leaves). The findings realize sustained growth in scientific output since 2016, with a predominance of studies conducted in the United States and growing output in Latin America. Three thematic clusters are identified: family dynamics and public policy, socio-emotional intersections of aging, and social and biological determinants. The analysis revealed the importance of shifting the focus from care to relational models and intergenerational co-responsibility. It concludes that aging is a socially situated experience, influenced by accumulated inequalities, and that the family continues to be a central actor. It recommends strengthening care policies and support networks from a comprehensive, intersectional, and ethical perspective.

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Author Biographies

Zoraida Cárdenas-Ramos, Universidad de Caldas (Colombia)

Profesora de planta de la Universidad de Caldas en Manizales - Colombia. Magíster en Estudios de Familia y Desarrollo de la Universidad de Caldas, Especialista en Responsabilidad Social Empresarial por la Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, España y Profesional en Desarrollo Familiar por la Universidad de Caldas. Desde 1995 desarrolla su labor docente e investigativa en el Departamento de Estudios de Familia de la Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales. Desde el año 2019 coordina proyectos y diplomados sobre convivencia, prevención de violencias y corresponsabilidad familiar y comunitaria, en cooperación con universidades nacionales e internacionales. Sus publicaciones abordan temas de cuidado, prácticas familiares y educación transformadora, articulando la investigación y la acción educativa en el campo de los estudios de familia. Pertenece al grupo de Investigación, Colectivo Estudios de Familia (Categoría A en Colciencias).

Carmenza Sanchez-Quintero, Universidad de Caldas (Colombia)

Profesora de planta de la Universidad de Caldas, en Manizales-Colombia. Máster en Género, identidad y Ciudadanía de la universidad de Cádiz-España (UCA), Magister en Educación de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (UHJ). Licenciada en Educación Preescolar de la Universidad de Manizales (UM). Desde febrero de 1990 desarrolla su labor docente e investigativa en el Departamento de Estudios de Familia, de la Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales. Desde el año 2015 dirige el Observatorio en Género y Sexualidades GESEX. Pertenece a los grupos de Investigación, Colectivo Estudios de Familia (Categoría A en Colciencias) y Género, Sexualidades y Reconocimiento (Categoría B en Colciencias). Sus líneas actuales de trabajo son familia, género, sexualidades y democratización de las relaciones.

Abel Soto-Higuera, Universidad de La Frontera (Chile)

Profesor Asociado A en la Universidad de La Frontera Chile. Doctor en Trabajo Social por la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Magíster en Ciencias Sociales Aplicadas y Asistente Social por la Universidad de La Frontera. Su labor académica e investigativa está adscrita al Departamento de trabajo social de la Facultad de Educación, Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades- Trabaja las políticas públicas y sociales, la movilidad humana, el desarrollo local, el envejecimiento e identidad étnica, así como las relaciones entre familia y trabajo social. Ha participado como investigador responsable y co-investigador en proyectos nacionales sobre envejecimiento y diversidad étnica, con publicaciones en revistas internacionales. Combina la investigación, la docencia y la gestión universitaria con consultorías orientadas al desarrollo local, la participación ciudadana y el bienestar social en contextos interculturales.

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