Functionalism: Age

Question 1

Parsons

Answer 1

Focus on society’s role in managing age issues & the bridge between childhood & adulthood

Question 2

Eisenstadt

Answer 2

Agrees with Parsons, saying that differential age groups learn new roles that lead to further cohesion and solidarity in society

Question 3

Cummings & Henry

Answer 3

Disengagement theory - with ageing, a persons abilities deteriorate, and they need to be relieved

Question 4

Philipson

Answer 4

Critiques this, arguing that the elderly have historically been used as a reserve army of labour, but this has grown in recent years - age inequality can be seen as a social construction to benefit the bourgeoise