Chapter 3- Social Theory In Gerontology

Question 0

Deductive

Answer 0

Specific to general

Question 1

Inductive

Answer 1

General to specific

Question 2

Facts

Answer 2

Empirically established findings

Question 3

Models

Answer 3

Offer descriptions not explanations

Question 4

Paradigm

Answer 4

Are world views that underlie different groups of theories

Question 5

Post modern turn

Answer 5

A line of intellectual exposition emanating from Western European philosophy, art, and science.

Question 6

Four ways that identify theory is important

Answer 6

1) theories integrate knowledge
2) theories offer explanations
3) theories provide predictions
4) theories can offer interventions to improve our lives

Question 7

3 major foci of social gerontology:

Answer 7

1) the aged
2) aging as a process
3) age as a dimension of social structure

Question 8

Micro level theories

Answer 8

Theories attempting to explain individuals

Question 9

Macro level theories

Answer 9

Theories that deal with this dimension of aging

Question 10

Microfication

Answer 10

Involves and increasing tendency to focus on the characteristics of individuals and of micro interaction and to neglect macro level phenomena such as social institutions, social cohesion, social conflict, norms and values.

Question 11

Normative theories:

Answer 11

Assume that individual behaviour is determined by social norms people learn through socialization, the norms of their society and generally abide by them.
Favour traditional scientific method and use of deduction

Question 12

Activity theory:

Also known as: implicit theory of aging

Answer 12

Micro level theory focusing on individual’s adjustment to old age.

Holds that Aging brings with it problems for the individuals and can be alleviated by engaging in activities.

Question 13

Disengagement theory:

Answer 13

Holds that individual adjustment in old age is accomplished through withdrawing from social life; letting go of social roles and activities.

Question 14

Continuity theory

Answer 14

Holds that as people age they make choices in an effort to preserve ties with the past. It can be both internal and external.
Internal: refers to the coherence of a personal structure of ideas. External: refers to the constancy of familiar environments and people.

Question 15

Social exchange theory

Answer 15

Is concerned with person to person interaction, focusing on the calculations and negotiations that transpire between individuals as they seem to maximize rewards and minimize costs in their interactions.

Question 16

Age stratification theory

Answer 16

Concerned with all age groups and not just the aged. It is macro in focus and views age not only as a characteristic of individuals but also as an important and dynamic element of the wider society.

Question 17

Aging and modernization theory

Answer 17

The status of the aged declines with increasing modernization

Question 18

Political economy aging theory

Answer 18

Is the experience of old age and the treatment of seniors can only be understood within the context of the economy, the state, the labour market, and the intersecting class, gender, age and racial/ethnic divisions in society

Question 19

Life course perspective

Answer 19

Encompasses individual biography and history within social structure

Concerned with individuals as social personae