Age Inequality- Postmodernism Flashcards
What did Laczko and Phillipson research? What did it show?
They researched early retirement. It shown that the elderly faced inequality due to wealth, not aging itself.
What does ‘Grey Pound’ mean?
When advertisers focus on getting money from older generations.
Who discussed a fourth age filled with leisure-based pursuits?
Blaikie
Who discussed the use of technology & cosmetic surgery?
Powell & Biggs
What do Powell & Biggs discuss?
- The use of new technology & cosmetic surgery allows some to continually re-create themselves.
- While this may mean that age discrimination is just based on the ‘mask’, it is impossible to tell, as those who can afford to re-create themselves may suffer less ageism due to factors like wealth.
What did Priestley say about the mask of old age?
- For him, aging was like someone had kidnapped him and made him old, yet behind his appearance he had the same thoughts as when he was younger.
- These ideas are like wearing a mask. Such explanations suggest inequalities faced by the elderly are more to do with labelling than aging.
How is ageing experiences different for certain places in the world?
- Some cultures say old age brings high status.
- UK children have high status as families are child centred.
- Shows inequalities could be due to expectations in society.
How can postmodernism be criticised?
- Micro, meaning it ignores the disparity of experiences which are dependent on status, social characteristics, and wealth.
- Highly positive when people may not have a positive experience due to discrimination, labelling, or exploitation.
- Perhaps people are being exploited by capitalism through being unhappy with appearances.
What Postmodernist Sociologists discuss age in equality?
- Laczko & Phillipson: ‘grey pound’
- Blaikie: leisure based pursuits
- Powell & Biggs: May recreate yourself
- Priestley: wearing a mask
- Featherstone & Hepworth: More positive media images
Who discussed trends that help blur boundaries of the life course?
Featherstone & Hepsworth
What do Featherstone & Hepworth discuss?
- More positive media images of aging can occur.
- The popularity of retro fashions & comeback tours from 70s/80s bands are trends that help blur the boundaries of the life course.
- These works led to the idea that traditional explanations of age inequality focus too much on invisible boundaries of age.
- Discussions of the decision of many who are wealthy enough to retire early show that retirement can be a positive experience.
How do Postmodernists criticise many other views on age inequality?
They ignore many of the changes in contemporary UK, and the role of consumer culture.
