Age Inequality

Question 1

Barron and Norris: Dual Labour Market (Weberianism)

Answer 1

PLM: good jobs, well paid, chances of promotion (middle age)
SLM: bad jobs, no security. Youth, elderly, therefore have less money, less respect, less power.

Question 2

Turner: Exchange Theory (Weberianism)

Answer 2

Age groups gain or lose status based on access to resources. In consumer society, status links to what you can give e.g. labour, skills, economic resources. Youth and elderly have less to exchange and therefore lower social status and value. E.g. elderly = less income and less physically able to work, youth = lack experience.

Question 3

Parkin: Negatively Privileged Status Groups (Weberianism)

Answer 3

Marginalised
Groups that face social closure meaning they are shut out from opportunities, power, status etc. E.g. high status jobs. (average manager in early 40s).
Old: seen as less useful because retired
Youth: inexperienced so not taken seriously

Question 4

Parsons (Functionalism)

Answer 4

Youth: Bridge Analogy: temporary marginalisation is functional because allows time for education and preparation for adult roles. Push boundaries to prepare them for work, see what can and cannot do/get away with.

Question 5

Cummings and Henry: Disengagement Theory (Functionalism)

Answer 5

As people age, they gradually withdraw from social roles and responsibilities. Reinforce through social facilities easy retirement (reinforce idea older individuals should step aside). Ensure social stability, allows younger generations to take over (good for capitalism, support Marxism).

Question 6

Durkheim (Functionalism)

Answer 6

Age inequality necessary and functional in society
Allows for role allocation:
Youth: in process of socialisation and education, preparing to take on adult roles
Elderly: may withdraw from work roles easier retirement, creating space for the young and maintaining the smooth running of institutions like the economy

Question 7

Murray (New Right)

Answer 7

Underclass: poor, Y, O, ethnic minorities etc don’t contribute (unemployed, retired).
Create a dependency culture
Elderly: in poverty, own fault, not investing wisely weren’t working or not work hard enough to save

Question 8

Arber and Ginn (Feminism)

Answer 8

Inequalities experience by older women are related to gender/patriarchy as well as age. Something men do not face. (Intersectionality)

Question 9

Gramsci: Legitimation of authority (Marxism)

Answer 9

Termed false consciousness. Designed to prevent the rebellion of the P.
Y: seen as inexperienced or irresponsible?
O: seen as dependent, past prime
Often marginalised in decision-making and economic power. Stereotypes then legitimise through dominant ideologies, make age based inequalities in normal or deserved.

Question 10

Engles: Reserve Army Of Labour (Marxism)

Answer 10

Group of people (Y+O) that capitalism maintains in the state of unemployment or precarious employment (called upon when needed) e.g. zero hour contracts, lower wages. E.g. seasonal workers.

Question 11

Phillipson: Political Economy Theory (Marxism)

Answer 11

Capitalist societies value people based on their economic productivity. Older people seen as less able and therefore make less profit, burden to society. Lead marginalisation and low status of elderly.