Sociology Asssessment Flashcards
Introduction: What are the two main aspects of ageing?
Biological and social aspects, influencing social identity and quality of life.
Introduction:Which two theories are evaluated in the essay?
Functionalism and Marxism.
Introduction: What does the essay focus on regarding these theories?
Evaluating their conceptual features, supporting studies, and critiques.
Functionalism: Disengagement Theory, Who proposed the Disengagement Theory, and when?
Cumming and Henry in 1961.
Functionalism: Disengagement Theory, What does Disengagement Theory suggest?
Ageing involves the withdrawal of older individuals from social roles.
Functionalism: Disengagement Theory, What benefit does withdrawal provide according to the theory?
It ensures societal stability and allows younger individuals to take over roles.
Functionalism: Disengagement Theory, Which study supports the systematic nature of disengagement?
The Kansas City Study of Adult Life.
Functionalism: Disengagement Theory, What example demonstrates role disengagement?
Retirement ensures an orderly transition for both individuals and society.
Functionalism: Disengagement Theory, What do Howard (1986) and Hunt (2005) criticize about this theory?
The theory is deterministic and ignores diverse ageing experiences.
Functionalism: Disengagement Theory, What structural factors affect disengagement?
Gender and class inequalities.
Marxism: Structured Dependency and Capitalist Exploitation, What does Philipson (1982) say about ageing under capitalism?
The elderly are marginalized due to their reduced economic productivity.
Marxism: Structured Dependency and Capitalist Exploitation, How does capitalism construct old age according to this perspective?
As a time of dependency, where the elderly are labeled as burdens.
Marxism: Structured Dependency and Capitalist Exploitation, Which study links state policies to poverty among older individuals?
Townsend’s 1986 study on ageism and social policy.
Marxism: Structured Dependency and Capitalist Exploitation, How do policies and economic forces marginalize older individuals?
Through inadequate pensions, enforced retirement, and structural inequalities.
Marxism: Structured Dependency and Capitalist Exploitation, What is a key critique of Marxism in relation to ageing?
It overly focuses on economic factors and neglects individual agency.
Marxism: Structured Dependency and Capitalist Exploitation, What example challenges the dependency narrative?
The rise of grey consumers participating in travel and wellness markets.
Critical Evaluation: What is a strength of Functionalism?
It has practical implications for role transitions, such as retirement policies.
Critical Evaluation: What is a weakness of Functionalism?
It is deterministic and ignores diverse experiences and active ageing.
Critical Evaluation: What is a strength of Marxism?
It highlights structural inequalities that marginalize older individuals.
Critical Evaluation: What is a weakness of Marxism?
It is reductionist and overlooks non-economic aspects like social networks.
Conclusion: What does combining Marxism and Functionalism achieve?
A balanced understanding of ageing, addressing both structural and systemic aspects.
Conclusion: What structural reforms can improve the lives of the elderly?
Improving pensions and combating ageism.
Conclusion: What role do role transitions play in ageing policies?
Managing role transitions ensures smoother intergenerational exchanges.
Conclusion: Why is ongoing research important?
To explore how structure and agency intersect, improving policies for older individuals.
