age inequalities - functionalism

Question 1

what does parsons say about age?

Answer 1

• inequalities experienced at different ages are just differences based on biology and these differences should be embraced/endured for the good of society.

Question 2

what is the bridge analogy? - parsons and einsenstadt

Answer 2

• youth stereotyped to a time of rebellion.
• they saw this as a bridge between adulthood and childhood
• positive for society as for example, a young person not turning up to a lesson will be punished so therefore teaches them the importance of attendance later on in life in the workplace.

Question 3

functionalism on the elderly?

Answer 3

• say that biological changes happen so that individuals may be physically less able to keep their place in the world of work.
• parsons would argue that the elderly need to change their roles so they can still fulfill the needs of a functioning society
• e.g, many elderly in the UK became invaluable source of free childcare

Question 4

what is cunnings and hennery’s disengagement theory?

Answer 4

• focuses on the elderly
• basic idea that all people with die and with ageing, peoples abilities deteriorate.
• so there is a mutual need (for both the individual society for the individual) to give up their role and responsibilities.
• for example, retirement age allows a manged disengagement, allowing others to take on the roles the elderly can no longer fulfil.

Question 5

Evaluation of consensus theories?

Answer 5

• homogeneity - consensus theory assumes all people will age the same way - not all elderly deteriorate at the same time, if at all.
• elderly people will not always be finding stability in fulfilling a new role.
• not all youth will be successfully guided by the agents of socialisation - some stay deviant

Question 6

havighursts critsism of disengagement theory?

Answer 6

• too pessimistic about ageing.
• argues that withdrawing the eldelry from social roles i.e - work, raising a family etc, means that older people more likely to risk suffering a personal crisis and demoralisation
• he proposes activiety theory.

Question 7

what is activity theory?

Answer 7

this states people are happiests when they stay active and maintain social interactions
- these actvities help the eldelrly to replace lost roles after retiremnt and resist social exclusion.
- these activities include things like volunteering, holidays, political campaing etc
- this theory assumes there is a link between these activity’s and life satisfaction.

Question 8

critics of activity theory?

Answer 8

• ignores class inequalities.