Social Aspects of Ageing (Sociology)

Question 1

What is the Social Conception of Ageing?

Answer 1

• “Ageing” is an ambiguous concept
• “Older people” are not a homogenous group - the same socio-economic differences that exist during working life persist
• “Cohort effects” can describe/explain some aspects of the experience of ageing
• “Ageist” attitudes still persist in society, leading to discrimination in healthcare, media representation and employment. Elderly seen as a burden, associations with decline, dependency and weakness. Seen as less productive and valuable than younger.
• Some societies present a more accepting conceptualisation of ageing. Value of wisdom and experience
• New technology has extended life expectancy and quality of life, changing what is means to “age”

Question 2

Describe the life course perspective

Answer 2

• Developed because the traditional “life cycle” approach outdated (childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age)
• Dynamic and flexible approach to ageing and acknowledges the social, biological and cultural processes shaping how we age. Adapts how changes in society might affect how we age.
• Defined how one participates in “Life Domains”
• Individuals undergo trajectories (level of engagement) and transitions (amount of time spent and appropriateness) between different domains
• All trajectories and transitions are different, and therefore shape our experience.
• e.g the Grandparent who takes on parental responsibility of a grandchild. Or a child whose schooling is cut short by caring responsibilities.