Module 5

Question 1

What is a theory?

Answer 1

A set of interrelated ideas that presents a logical, systematic, explicit, and reasonably complete explanation of a phenomenon. Used both to conduct research and to create new outcomes.

Question 2

What is the structural functionalist perspective?

Answer 2

Relationships between social structures and institutions and how they influence people. Commonly accepted social order in society, essential to maintaining existing functions of institutions.

Question 3

What is social change according to structural functionalism?

Answer 3

Society attempts to transtion back to an orderly state. Norms, rules, socialization are put in place to regulate behaviour.

Question 4

Is structural functionalism a macro or micro level theory?

Answer 4

Macro. Implies the inevitability of structures and that society operates in a way that supports order. Society as a function of the sum of its parts, like an organism.

Question 5

What is the constructivist/interpretivist approach?

Answer 5

How people define/create social order and how we relate to one another. Individual processes of ageing in a natural setting. Used the least in research.

Question 6

Is the constructivist approach a micro or macro level approach?

Answer 6

Micro.

Question 7

What was Charles Coulee’s idea of the Looking Glass Self?

Answer 7

Our definition of the self comes from interactions with others and their ideas plus perceptions of us. (constructivist approach).

Question 8

What is conflict perspective?

Answer 8

Society is always changing, conflict as an expected and inevitable aspect of this. Conflicts between dominant and subordinate social groups, income inequality, and how social systems shape the experience of inequality. Changes to society must be made in order for everyone to have access to resources.

Question 9

What is the critical perspective?

Answer 9

Conflict perspective evolved. Argues that there are inherent inequalities in social structure that exist that are consequential for life chances. Inequality and disadvantage, power systems, change.

Question 10

What are some critiques of critical perspective?

Answer 10

Posits too much emphasis on inequality and problems. The individual as too much a product of political and economic forces. Too much powerlessnes and oppression.

Question 11

What are the 3 functionalist theories?

Answer 11

1) Age- Stratification Theory
2) Disengagement Theory
3) Life-course perspective

Question 12

What is age-stratification theory?

Answer 12

Focuses on the movement of age cohorts over the life course and on the rule of social structures and processes on individual ageing, and the stratification of age in society. People in society move through predetermined age grades.

Question 13

What is the third age?

Answer 13

After retirement and before physical decline and dependence.

Question 14

What is the fourth age?

Answer 14

Physical decline and disability.

Question 15

What are some critiques of age stratification theory?

Answer 15

Risks homogenizing experiences, doesn’t take into account intersectional forces.

Question 16

What is cohort centrism?

Answer 16

If an idea about age is internalized, it may drive a wedge between cohorts. Cohort may interpret behaviour and act on individual principle- makes it difficult to accept and understand other cohorts.

Question 17

What is disengagement theory?

Answer 17

Change and adaptation in later life are necessary for the individual and society. Assumes inevitability of disability and death. Functional purpose of disengaging with society in the old age. Can be useful in understanding social exclusion and isolation as one ages.

Question 18

What are the 5 principles of Life course perspective?

Answer 18

1) People develop and age at every stage of life, we learn, develop, and age always.
2) Historical conditions and environments influence opportunities in life.
3) Impact of life transitions like retirement vary depending on when they take place
4) People live interdependently in society and their lives are shaped by others
5) Individuals shape their lives through action and making choices (agency)

Question 19

What are 3 environmental effects?

Answer 19

1) Non- normative (not planned) events: unexpected illness, accident, income loss
2) Normative History graded events- Historical events that shape a persons life
3) Normative age-graded events- socially sanctioned events that occur most often at certain ages (ex: having kids or retirement)

Question 20

What is social exchange theory (interpretivist/constructivist theory)

Answer 20

Individuals search for situations where valued outcomes are possible, and whereby social, emotional, and psychological needs can be met. Value of reciprocity. Helps us understand power or shifts in power

Question 21

What is a critique of social exchange theory?

Answer 21

Not everything can and or should be described in terms of exchange relationships (ex: caregivers)

Question 22

What is political economy (conflict theory)?

Answer 22

Focuses on conflict and change in social life, traces conflict to the struggle between social classes and resulting hierarchies. Examines structures that create inequality in older age. Origins of problems traced back to capitalist society.

Question 23

What is feminist theory?

Answer 23

Gender as an organizing principle to studying social life. Inequalities between men and women. Understanding social realities through the eyes of women. Gender inequalities as socially constructed and institutionalized, perpetuated by larger forces rather than individuals.

Question 24

What is the postmodern perspective?

Answer 24

Science and knowledge as linked to social control and power.

Question 25

What is social constructionism?

Answer 25

Reality as socially constructed and evolves as we interact with others and record our thoughts and meanings.

Question 26

What is deconstructionism?

Answer 26

Language is a social construct that we must deconstruct to understand and explain the real meaning of thoughts and behaviours.

Question 27

What is activity theory (functionalist)?

Answer 27

Individual adaptation in later life involves being active. Social interaction improves the self concept and well being.

Question 28

What is critical gerontology (conflict theory)?

Answer 28

Set of questions, problems, and analyses excluded by established mainstream gerontologists. 2 Paths: Political economy, and humanistic path. Knowledge of aging in different SES, ethnicity etc.

Question 29

What is continuity theory (functionalist)?

Answer 29

As people age, they try to maintain continuity. Better ageing if maintaining similar lifestyle to younger years. Ageing involves both change and continuity.

Question 30

What is intersectionality theory (conflict)?

Answer 30

Privilege and disadvantage need to be examined, intersectionality of all of them. Major consequences for those impacted.

Question 31

What are some concerns associated with quantitative research?

Answer 31

Are findings due to age, cohort, or period effects?

Question 32

What is a cohort analysis?

Answer 32

Uses the number of sequential, cross sectional datasets with the same variables. identifies age, cohort, and period effects. Sampling difficulties due to frailty.

Question 33

What are some issues with qualitative research?

Answer 33

Samples are not random, and are more convenient. Smaller samples, must be careful with preconceptions (although these preconceptions may also be part of the research).

Question 34

What are the 3 ethics principles?

Answer 34

1) respect for persons (free and informed consent, protection of those unable to do so)
2) Respect for welfare (impact on health and social circumstances, risks and benefits)
3) Justice- obligation to treat people fairly.

Question 35

What is a study?

Answer 35

The scientific process of answering a question using population data.

Question 36

What is an ecological study?

Answer 36

Measures disease rates and exposures on a group of people. Applies to group, not to individuals. Compare the health of 2 countries.

Question 37

What is a case series?

Answer 37

Group of people who have the same disease/exposure. Understanding demographics, presentation, prognosis etc. Or used to describe something unusual (ex: Male pneumonia and aids)

Question 38

What is a cross-sectional study?

Answer 38

Selected population, measures health information at a specific point. Use questionnaires. AKA: prevalence studies. Cannot determine causality of disease

Question 39

What is a case control study?

Answer 39

Cases of people with a disease compared to a control. Looks at past exposures , then compares.

Question 40

What is the odds ratio?

Answer 40

Odds of exposure in the case divided by the odds of exposure in the control. Used to look at food based outbreaks.

Question 41

What is a cohort study?

Answer 41

Cohort is followed over a period of time to see what happens, gets information about risk factors.

Question 42

What is relative risk?

Answer 42

Risk of disease (exposed. risk of disease unexposed). Causality can be determined