3b — functionalist explanations of age inequalities

Question 1

Parsons (Disengagement theory)

Answer 1

differences in age is so functional for social system
older people actively DISENGAGE from social roles leaving them to younger people, leading older generations to periphery of society

process of disengagement means industrial society can operate using nuclear family with clear roles

elderly in US society than in other societies. isolated from children

Question 2

eisenstadt

Answer 2

adolescence: shifting loyalty from parents to marriage partner
rebellion against parental discipline
experimentation and finding identity
self discovery > economic rewards
roles of less commitment and maturity

Question 3

davis and moore age

Answer 3

Role Allocation theory 1945

— Stratification is permanent, universal, and FUNCTIONALLY NECESSARY
— Every society faces the task of ‘placing’ people on a hierarchy: ROLE ALLOCATION, according to abilities + effort
— 2 principles that dictate the hardest/best jobs:
— FUNCTIONAL UNIQUENESS (no other occupation can substitute for them, innate ability and training needed)
— DEGREE OF DEPENDENCY ON OTHERS (other positions dependent on them)

youth unlikely to have skill and maturity

Question 4

young

Answer 4

— MERITOCRACY: people with merit rewarded with higher status and money
— in 50s, could foresee arisotcracy depleting and making way for equal opportunities (NOT INEQUALITY)

Theresa May: “I want to be a place where advantage is based on merit not privilege”

Most UK residents think this is the society we live in or would like to live in.

merit = skill and effort

young people lack skill and effort