Biography

SARA ARBER has been Professor of Sociology since 1994 and is Co-Director of the Centre for Research on Ageing and Gender (CRAG). She was Head of the School of Human Sciences (2001-2004) and Head of the Sociology Department (1996-2002). She joined the Sociology Department in 1974, following postgraduate work at the Population Studies Center, University of Michigan. Sara has remained at Surrey throughout her career apart from spending a year on study leave (1979-80) in India and Australia, and as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Australian National University (January to March 2005).

Sara was President of the British Sociological Association (1999-2001) and President of the International Sociological Association Research Committee on Sociology of Aging (RC11) (2006-2010).  She was elected as an Academician of the Social Sciences in 2000, a Fellow of the British Academy in 2008 and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 2012.  Sara received the BSG (British Society of Gerontology) Outstanding Achievement Award 2011 for her contribution to the field of ageing and was awarded the status of Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in 2012.  She has been actively involved with ESRC and is currently a member of their Grants Assessment Panel.  Sara's internationally regarded research has spanned inequalities in health, ageing and gender, and latterly she has pioneered the Sociology of Sleep.  Sara is a member of the 2014 REF (Research Excellence Framework) Panel for Sociology.

Who's Who in Ageing:  British Society of Gerontology

Research Interests

Sara's research focuses on gender and class inequalities in health, ageing and later life and on sociology of sleep. She was PI on SomnIA, Sleep in Ageing, a multi-disciplinary New Dynamics of Ageing collaborative research programme (2006-2011), and joint PI (with Debra Skene, FHMS) on an EU funded Marie Curie Research Training Network to train European doctoral and post-doctoral researchers in the Sociology of Sleep (2005-2009).

Sara has completed research for the ESRC on 'Negotiating Sleep among Couples' and on 'Older Men'; for the Nuffield Foundation on late life decision-making about life prolongation techniques; for the Health Development Agency on social support, social capital and health, and on older people and falls; for the US National Institute of Aging on a comparative US/UK study of clinical decision-making for older patients; for the EU on a comparative study of 'Sleep in Ageing Women' and a cross-national study of 'Gender, food and later life'; and for Anchor Homes to evaluate their refurbishment and rebuild programme in residential homes.  She has recently co-edited Contemporary Grandparenting:  changing Family Relationships in Global Contexts (Policy Press, 2012).

Much of Sara's research uses secondary analysis of large-scale datasets. She has conducted comparative research on inequalities in health, comparing Britain with Scandinavia in collaboration with Professor Eero Lahelma from Helsinki. She edited a special issue of Social Science and Medicine on 'Social and economic patterning of women's health in a changing world' (2002, vol. 4, no. 5) with Myriam Khlat, INID, Paris, a Monograph of Current Sociology on 'Gender, Ageing and Power: Changing Dynamics across Western Societies' (2007, vol.55, no.2), and a special issue of Sociological Research Online (12,5) on 'Sleep Across the Lifecourse' (2007).

Professor Arber is frequently invited to speak at international meetings, including Canada, USA, Latvia, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Czech Republic, Brazil and Belgium since 2005. Her book Connecting Gender and Ageing (co-authored with Jay Ginn) won the 1996 Age Concern prize for the best book on ageing.

Research Groups: Identities, Generation and Everyday Life and Sociology of Sleep

Publications

Also see publications in Sociology of Sleep

Selected Journal Articles

S. Chatzitheochari and S. Arber (2012) 'Gender, Class and Time Poverty:  A time-use analysis of British workers' free time resources', British Journal of Sociology, forthcoming.

T. Lallukka, S. Arber, M. Laaksonen, E. Lahelma, T. Partonen and O. Rahkonen (2012) 'Work-family conflicts and subsequent sleep medication among women and men: A longitudinal registry linkage study', Social Science and Medicine, Online First - in press.

S. Venn and S. Arber (2012) 'Understanding older peoples' decisions about the use of sleeping medication:  issues of control and autonomy, Sociology of Health and Illness, 34(8).  Online - early view.

I. Eyers, E. Young, R. Luff, T. Ellmers and S. Arber (2012) 'Rhetoric and reality in daily life in English care homes', International Journal of Ageing and Later Life, Online - advance access.

S. Chatzitheochari and S. Arber (2011) 'Identifying the Third Agers:  An analysis of British retirees' leisure pursuits', Sociological Research Online, http://www.socresonline.org.uk/16/4/3.html.

S. Arber, and S. Venn (2011) 'Caregiving at night:  Understanding the impact on carers', Journal of Aging Studies, 25:  155-165.

S. Venn and S. Arber (2011) 'Daytime sleep and active ageing in later life', Ageing and Society, 31(2):  197-216.

R. Luff, T. Ellmers, I. Eyers, E. Cope and S. Arber, S. (2011) 'Time spent in bed at night by care homes residents', Ageing and Society, 31(7):  1229-50.

T, Lallukka, S. Arber., O. Rahkonen and E. Lahelma (2010) ‘Complaints of insomnia among midlife employed people – the contribution of childhood and present socio-economic circumstances’ Sleep Medicine, 11:828-836.

T, Lallukka, O. Rahkonen, E. Lahelma and S. Arber (2010) ‘Sleep complaints in middle-aged women and men: The contribution of working conditions and work-family conflicts’, Journal of Sleep Research. 19:466-477.

S. Chatzitheochari and S. Arber (2009) ‘Lack of sleep, work and the long hours culture: Evidence from the UK Time Use Survey’, Work, Employment and Society, 23(1): 30-48.

S. Arber, M. Bote, and R. Meadows (2009) ‘Gender and the socio-economic patterning of self-reported sleep problems in Britain’, Social Science and Medicine, 68 (2): 281-289.

S. Arber, M. Bote and R. Meadows (2009) 'Gender and the socio-economic patterning of self-reported sleep problems in Britain', Social Science and Medicine, 68(2):  281-9.

S. Arber,T. Vandrevala, T. Daly and S. Hampson (2008), 'Understanding gender differences in older people's attitudes towards life-prolonging medical technologies', Journal of Aging Studies, 22(4), pp 366-375.

S. Venn, S. Arber, R. Meadows and J. Hislop (2008) 'The fourth Shift: Exploring the gendered nature of sleep disruption in couples with children', British Journal of Sociology, 59(1): 79-90.

R. Meadows, S. Arber, S.Venn, and J. Hislop (2008) 'Unruly bodies and couples' sleep', Body & Society 14(4):  75-91.

R. Meadows, J. Hislop, S. Venn, and S. Arber (2008) 'Engaging with sleep: male definitions, understandings and attitudes', Sociology of Health and Illness, 30(5): 696-710.

D. Garnett, T. Vandrevala, S. Hampson, T. Daly and S. Arber (2008) 'Family members’ perspectives on potential discussions about life prolongation for their older relatives' Mortality, 13(1), pp 65-81.

A. Adams, C.D. Buckingham, A. Lindenmeyer, J.B. McKinlay, C. Link, L. Marceau, L. and S. Arber, (2008) 'The influence of patient and doctor gender on diagnosing coronary heart disease', Sociology of Health and Illness, 30(1), pp 1-18.

S. Arber, M. Bote, J. Hislop and R. Meadows (2007) 'Family roles and women's sleep in mid and later life: A quantitative approach', Sociological Research Online, 12(5) http://www.socresonline.org.uk/12/5/3.html.

E. Bianchera and S. Arber (2007) 'Caring and sleep disruption among women in Italy', Sociological Research Online, 12(5), http://www.socresonline.org.uk/12/5/4.html .

A. Adams, C.D. Buckingham, S. Arber, J.B. McKinlay, L. Marceau and C. Link (2006) 'The influence of patient's age on clinical decision-making about coronary heart disease in the USA and the UK', Ageing and Society, 26, 303-321.

T. Vandrevala, S.E. Hampson, T. Daly, S. Arber and H. Thomas (2006) 'Dilemmas in decision-making about resuscitation - a focus group study of older people', Social Science and Medicine, 62, 1579-1593.

J.B. McKinlay, C. Link, S. Arber, L. Marceau, A. O’Donnell, and A. Adams. (2006) ‘How do different countries manage the same patient? Results of a factorial experiment’, Health Services Research, 41(6), 2182-2200.

S. Arber, J. McKinlay, A. Adams, L. Marceau, C. Link and A. O'Donnell (2006) 'Patient characteristics and inequalities in doctors' diagnostic and management strategies relating to CHD: A video-simulation experiment', Social Science and Medicine, 62(1), 103-115.

J. Hislop, S. Arber, R. Meadows and S. Venn (2005) 'Narratives of the Night: the Use of Audio Diaries in Researching Sleep', Sociological Research Online, 10(4), http://www.socresonline.org.uk/10/4/hislop.html

R. Meadows, S. Venn, J. Hislop, N. Stanley and S. Arber (2005) 'Investigating couples' sleep: an evaluation of actigraphic analysis techniques', Journal of Sleep Research, 14(4), 377-386.

K. Perren, S. Arber and K. Davidson (2004) 'Neighbouring in later life: The influence of socio-economic resources, gender and household composition on neighbourly relaitonships', Sociology 38(5), 965-984.

S Arber, J McKinlay, A Adams, L Marceau, C Link and A O'Donnell (2004) ‘How patient characteristics influence doctors' questioning and lifestyle advice: A UK/US video experiment', British Journal of General Practice , Vol 54, 673-8.

S. Arber (2004) 'Gender, marital status and ageing: Linking material, health and social resources'. Journal of Aging Studies 18(1):91-108.

K. Davidson, T. Daly and S. Arber (2003) ‘Older men, social integration and organisational activities' Social Policy and Society, 2(2): 81-89 .

J. Hislop and S. Arber (2003) Understanding Women's Sleep management: Beyond Medicalisation-Healthisation?, Sociology of Health and Illness, 25(7): 815-837.

J Hislop and S.Arber (2003) ‘Sleepers wake! The gendered nature of sleep disruption among mid-life women'' Sociology, 37 (4): 695-711.

K. Horton and S. Arber (2004) 'Gender and the negotiation between older people and their carers in the prevention of falls', Ageing and Society, 24(1): 75-94.

J Ginn and S Arber (2002) 'Degrees of freedom: Can graduate women avoid the motherhood gap in pensions?' Sociological Research Online, 7(2). http://www.socresonline.org.uk/7/2/ginn_arber.html.

E Lahelma, S Arber, K Kivela and E Roos (2002) 'Multiple roles and health among British and Finnish women: the bearing of socio-economic circumstances' Social Science and Medicine. 54(5): 727-740.

M Phillips, S Arber and J Ginn (2001) 'Physical activity among men and women in midlife: Variations by class and employment status', Education and Ageing, 16(2): 135-16.

J Ginn and S Arber (2001) 'Pension prospects of minority ethnic groups: Inequalities by gender and ethnicity' British Journal of Sociology, 52(3): 519-539.S.

Arber and H. Cooper (1999) Gender Differences in Health in Later Life: the new paradox? Social Sciences and Medicine, 48(1):61-76.

S Arber (1997) Comparing inequalities in womens and mens health: Britain in the 1990s, Social Science and Medicine, 44(6): 773-787.

S Arber (1996) Integrating nonemployment into research on health inequalities, International Journal of Health Services, 26(3): 445-481.

S Arber and J Ginn (1995) 'Gender differences in informal care, Health and Social Care in the Community, 3: 19-31.

S Arber and J Ginn (1995) 'Women and Ageing'. Reviews in Clinical Gerontology, 4(4): 93-102

S Arber and J Ginn (1995) 'The Mirage of Gender Equality: Occupational Success in the Labour Market and within Marriage', British Journal of Sociology, 46(1): 21-43

S Arber and E Lahelma (1993) Inequalities in Womens and Men's Ill-Health: Britain and Finland Compared', Social Science and Medicine, 37 (8): 1055-68

S. Arber and J Ginn (1993) Gender and inequalities in health in later life, Social Science and Medicine, 36(1): 33-46.

Editor of Special Issues of Journals

S. Arber, L. Anderssen and A. Hoff (editors) (2007), Special Issue of Current Sociology, on 'Gender, Ageing and Power: Changing Dynamics across Western Societies', 55(2): 147-312, Monograph 1.

S. Arber, J. Hislop and S. Williams (editors) (2007) Special Issue of Sociological Research Online on 'Gender, Sleep and the Life Course: A Sociological Approach', 12(5), http://www.socresonline.org.uk/12/5/19.html.

S. Arber and M Khlat (Editors) (2002) Special Issue of Social Science and Medicine, 'Social and economic patterning of women's health in a changing world'. Vol 54, No. 5, pp 643-848.

Books

S. Arber and V. Timonen (eds) (2012) Contemporary Grandparenting:  Changing Family Relationships in Global Contexts, Bristol:  Policy Press.

S. Arber, K. Davidson, J. Ginn (eds) (2003), Gender and Ageing: Changing Roles and Relationships, Buckingham: Open University Press.

L. Easterbrook, K Horton, S Arber and K Davidson (2001) International Review of Interventions in Falls among Older People, London: Department of Trade and Industry, pp 86.

S. Arber and C Attias-Donfut (2000) The Myth of Generational Conflict: State and Family in Ageing Societies, London: Routledge.

H. Cooper, J. Ginn, and S. Arber (1999) Health-related Behaviour and Attitudes of Older People: A secondary analysis of National Data Sets, London: Health Education Authority.

H. Cooper, S. Arber, L. Fee, J. Ginn (1999) The Influences of Social Capital and Social Support on Health, London: Health Education Authority.

J. Ginn, S. Arber and H. Cooper (1997) Researching Older Peoples Health Needs and Health Promotion Issues, London: Health Education Authority.

S. Arber and J. Ginn (eds) (1995) Connecting Gender and Ageing: A Sociological Approach, Buckingham: Open University Press.

S. Arber and M. Evandrou (eds) (1993) Ageing, Independence and the Life Course, London: Jessica Kingsley.

C. Marsh and S. Arber (eds) (1992) Families and Households: Divisions and Change, London: Macmillan.

S. Arber and G. N. Gilbert (eds) (1992) Women and Working Lives: Divisions and Change, London:Macmillan.

S. Arber and J. Ginn (1991) Gender and Later Life: A Sociological Analysis of Resources and Constraints, London: Sage.

A. Dale, S. Arber, M. Procter (1988) Doing Secondary Analysis, Unwin Hyman.

Selected Book Chapters

S. Arber, R. Meadows, and S. Venn (2012) 'Sleep and Society'.  In C.M. Morin and C.A. Espie (eds) The Oxford Handbook of Sleep and Sleep Disorders, New York:  Oxford University Press, pp. 223-247.

S. Venn, K. Davidson and S. Arber (2011) 'Gender and Ageing'.  In R.A. Settersten and J.L. Angel (eds) Handbook of Sociology of Aging, New York:  Springer Science, pp. 71-82.

S. Arber and R. Meadows (2011) 'Social and Health Patterning of Sleep Quality and Duration'.  In S. McFall and C. Garrington (eds) Understanding Society:  Early Findings from the first wave of the UK's Household Longitudinal Study, Colchester:  ISER, University of Essex, pp. 88-98.

S. Chatzitheochari and S. Arber (2011) 'Time use studies:  A method for exploring everyday life in the Third Age'.  In D.C. Carr and K. Komp (eds) Gerontology in the Era of the Third Age:  Implications and Next Steps, New York:  Springer Publishing, pp. 127-145.

S. Williams, S. Arber and R. Meadows (2010) 'The sociology of Sleep', in F. Cappuccio, M. Miller and S. Lockley (eds) Sleep, Health and Society:  From Aetiology to Public Health, Oxford:  Oxford University Press, pp 275-299.

J. Hislop and S. Arber (2006) ‘Sleep, gender and ageing: Temporal perspectives in the mid-to-later life transition’. In T Calasanti and K Slevin (eds) Age Matters: Realigning Feminist Thinking, London: Routledge, p225-246.

S. Arber (2006) 'Gender and Later Life: Change, choice and constraints' in J.A. Vincent, C. Phillipson and M. Downs (eds) The Futures of Old Age, London: Sage.

S. Arber (2005) 'Inequalities in later life: Gender, marital status and health behaviours'. In S. Svallfors (ed.) Analyzing Inequality: Life Chances and Social Mobility in Comparative Perspective, Stanford: Stanford University Press, pp 129-164.

S. Arber (2004) 'Integrating Nonemployment into Research on Health Inequalities'. In N. Krieger (ed.) Embodying Inequality: Epidemiologic Perspective, Amityville, New York: Baywood Publishing Company Inc., 355-391.

S. Arber (2004) 'Gender trajectories: How age and marital status influence patterns of gender inequality in later life'. In S. Olav Daatland and S. Biggs (eds) Ageing and Diversity: Multiple pathways and cultural migrations. Bristol: The Policy Press, 61-76.

S Arber and J Ginn (2004) ‘Ageing and Gender: Diversity and Change. Social Trends 2004 Edition, No. 34 . Edited by C Summerfield and P Baab, Office for National Statistics, London : The Stationery Office, 1-14.

S Arber (2003) 'Gender and generation: Changing pension inequalities over time'. In G Allan and G Jones (eds) Social Relations and the Life Course, Basingstoke, Hants: Macmillan Palgrave, pp 13-30.

H Cooper and S. Arber (2003) 'Ethnicity and inequalities in older women's health'. In F. Poland and G. Boswell (eds) Womens' Minds/Womens' Bodies: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, London: Macmillan

S Arber, K Perren and K Davidson (2002) 'Involvement in social organisations in later life: Variations by Gender and Class' In Lars Andersson (ed) Cultural Gerontology, Westport, Connecticut, USA: Greenwood Publishing Group, pp 77-93.

S. Arber and H. Cooper (2000) 'Gender and inequalities in women's health across the life course'. In E. Annandale and K. Hunt (eds) Gender Inequalities in Health, Buckingham: Open University Press.

Teaching

Sara's recent teaching has been in the area of gender and ageing, and on survey research methodology to undergraduates and M.Sc in Social Research Methods students. She previously taught final year options in Gender and Society and in Sociology of Health and Illness. Sara supervises ten doctoral students in the fields of health, ageing, gender and sociology of sleep, including some students conducting secondary analysis of national datasets.  She has supervised 40 students to successful completion of their PhD.

Professional Activities

Sara Arber was President of the British Sociological Association (1999-2001), Treasurer (1988-1990) and is currently a Vice President. She was President of the International Sociological Association Research Committee on Sociology of Aging (RC-11) (2006-2010) and  organiser of the ISA RC-11 Inter-Congress Conference on 'Ageing Societies and Ageing Sociology', 7-9 September 2004. She was Vice President of the European Sociological Association (2005-2007) and played a key role in organising the ESA conference in Glasgow, 3-6 September 2007. Sara is an elected Academician of the Social Sciences, and a Fellow of the British Academy. Sara received the BSG (British Society of Gerontology) Outstanding Achievement Award 2011 for her contribution tot he field of ageing.  Sara was a consultant on the ONS/ESRC Review of Social Classifications and sits on various advisory committees. She chaired the Sociology Editorial Board (1992-95) and was Treasurer of the British Sociological Association (1988-90). She is a member of the ESRC Grants Assessment Panel (2010-) and previously the ESRC Research Grants Board (2008-10).  She was a member of the ESRC Social Affairs Committee (1984-87), and the S.W. Surrey District Health Authority (1981-90).  Sara is currently a member of 6 Editorial Boards, including Sociology of Health and Illness, and International Journal of Social Research Methodology, and is an Associate Editor for Social Science and Medicine.