Age: Functionalism

Question 1

What did parsons say about age ?

Answer 1

• Certain age group norms threaten the stability of society but these behaviours can be managed by society
• For example: A youth can truant from school, they are then sanctioned by the school, this makes them learn the importance of attendance

Question 2

What is the social disengagement theory ?

Answer 2

Cumming and Henry
- Focus on the elderly
- As we age our abilities decrease
- There is mutual need for the individual to be relieved of duties to replace them
- Good thing for society
- Retirement allows managed disengagement

Question 3

What are evaluations of the consensus theory ?

Answer 3

• not all elderly people deteriorate at the same age
• This view only looks at the positive side of ageing - ignored negatives
• Not all youth leave deviant behaviour behind - not socialised successfully