Chap.5 Theories and research Flashcards
Theory?
it is a set of interrelated
ideas that presents a logical, systematic, explicit, and reasonably complete explanation of a process, situation, or observed fact.
Define social theory?
a process of developing ideas that allow us to understand and explain empirical observations
name the elements of aging that theories should cover?
- multiple time frames—aging occurs over a person’s life but not in uniform ways; for instance, early childhood conditions can be particularly important for health in later years.
- multi-directionality—aging can be positive (e.g., gain in crystallized or experiential intelligence) or negative (e.g., loss of short-term memory)
- multi-dimensionality and interplay of factors—aging involves more than a set of factors that influence outcomes; there are underlying mechanisms that interact with one another; for instance, there are substantial gender differences in depression after widowhood.
- multi-level influences—aging trajectories are the product of individual, family, and community contexts; for example, health is affected by our genes, lifestyles, agency, and resources/barriers embedded in our relationships, communities, and social structures
Structural Functionalist perspective?
focuses on the relationships between social structures and social institutions, as well as on the resulting influence on the individual. (social structures are like organs; essential to survive)
The Social Constructionist/Interpretive Perspective?
Studies social life by examining the meaning of cognitive, symbolic, or behavioral, individual processes of aging in a natural setting in micro-level. Driven from symbolic interactionism. Truth is dynamic and can’t be observed objectively
The conflict perspective?
Society is full of competing groups
and changes must be made so that all groups have an equal share of the resources.
Critical perspective?
there are inherent inequities in the social structure that have important consequences for the life chances and lifestyles of some members of a society
normative vs conflict perspective?
Whereas the normative perspective sees the social world as normative and static, the conflict perspective views society as dynamic and changing.
contemporary perspective on Aging?
- Social exchange perspective.
- The Postmodern Perspective
- The Life-Course Perspective:5 A Dynamic Bridging Approach
Social exchange perspective?
Social interaction involves reciprocity (give and take) whereby each actor in a relationship brings resources (often unequally) and strives to balance his or her costs and rewards.
postmodern perspective?
challenges the objectivism of the science; tied to power. we can trust science regardless of the objection.
employ 2 basic intellectual approaches: social construction and deconstruction. Both of these processes are interpretive, phenomenological, analytical, interactive, critical, and change oriented.
The Feminist Perspective and Masculinity Theory?
gender is an organizing principle for studying social life across the life course, and it can create inequities that advantage men and disadvantage women, especially in the later year
The Life-Course Perspective; A Dynamic Bridging Approach?
considers the interaction among historical events and social changes occurring at the structural (or macro) level, the individual (or micro) level, and the public policy (or meso) level
name the dimensions in which life-course theory combines itself with intersectionality?
(1) the transitional life-course assumption negates the problem of using black and white categories to capture grey areas of some behavior and/or groups assumed by an intersectionality lens;
(2) the life course allows for merging of qualitative and quantitative data, as does intersectionality
(3) both link macro-and micro-level processes
(4) both approaches address inequality and attempt to empower those without privilege through agency.
Activity Substitution Theory?
high activity and maintenance of roles is positively related to a favorable self-concept and a favorable self-concept is positively related to life satisfaction that is, experiencing adjustment, successful aging, well-being, and high morale
Disengagement Theory?
only through a process of work-role withdrawal by older people can young people enter the labor force. Thus, for the mutual benefit of individuals and society, aging should involve a voluntary process by which older people disengage from society and society disengages from the individual.
