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Investigating the previously neglected relationship between aging and masculinity in eighteenth-century England, this article examines representations of old men in medical advice literature. Acknowledging that 'politeness' shaped hegemonic codes of masculinity in this period, the article introduces the alternative concept of 'cheerfulness' as a behavioural code for older men. Although in many ways the rhetoric of cheerfulness allowed men to retain a 'polite' identity in later life, the trope also signalled a fundamental distancing of old men from their younger counterparts. This suggests that aging had great potential to affect what it meant to be a 'man' in eighteenth-century terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The British Association of Social Workers has actively opposed Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). It is the contention of this article that there is a pressing need to interrogate factors which are influencing and driving the ASBO agenda during the period of New Labour in Britain. The discussion begins by referring to the significance of key-words and phrases in social work and social policy. This is followed by an examination of the recent (re)appearance of concern about 'anti-social behaviour'. A critical overview of the White Paper Respect and Responsibility: Taking a Stand against Anti-Social Behaviour (Home Office, 2003a) is then provided. It is then argued that Tony Blair and former home secretary, David Blunkett, played distinctive roles in creating Britain's ASBO politics. This, moreover, is a politics which potentially narrows social work's role and purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]