Chapter Two

Question 1

Difference between beliefs, norms, customs, values

Answer 1

Values: internalized criteria by which members select and judge goals/behaviors in society
Beliefs: conception of the world and what thought to be true
Norms: expected behavior in specific situations
Customs: typical way of doing something

Question 2

Modernization Hypothesis of Aging

Answer 2

In pre-industrial Revolution societies, hunting/gathering groups and agrarian populations existed
Hunting/Gathering Societies: oldest members were considered a valuable source of knowledge
Agrarian societies: oldest citizens controlled land and were the heads of the family
When knowledge was no longer needed after Industrial societies, elderly people lost power/status to young individuals

Question 3

Criticisms of Modernization Hypothesis

Answer 3

heterogeneity in status decline after modernization, lower status of older people in some preindustrial societies already existed, high status of older people in modern societies continued, may be alternative reasons for changing status after modernization, regional diversity in status of older persons post-modernization, other intersecting factors affecting the status of older people

Question 4

Subculture:

Answer 4

unique set of values/norms/behaviors and attitudes, a homogenous community distinct from mainstream society (Chinatown)

Question 5

Life Course Perspective:

Answer 5

examines the interplay among life stories, our social system, and institutions/environments

Question 6

Filial Piety:

Answer 6

respect and feeling of responsibility for one’s parents; found in Eastern cultures but not much in western