Social Theory in Gerontology Sep 2008

Theory The construction of explicit explanations in accounting for empirical findings. A review of causal relationships that connect processes and events. Types of theories: Deductive and inductive around hypotheses, specific observations and development of theories. Facts, models and paradigms (page 58-59)-examples of paradigm shifts

Barriers to Theory Development Gerontology tries to solve immediate problems, sometimes based on incorrect assumptions-reduce loneliness through pet therapy. Grand theories of generalization or post modern turn (page 60)-the social construction of knowledge. Why theories-integrate knowledge, offer explanations, provide predictions, offer interventions. Three foci of gerontology-the aged, the aging process, age as a dimension of social structure at micro and macro levels

Activity Theory Micro level, aging problems can alleviated by engaging in activities in order to continue with psychological and social needs of earlier life. This can be achieved by taking on new roles, friends and activities Critique-Different meanings are ascribed to different activities. Not all psycho social needs are stable over the life course. Not all individual control their social situations-social class impact-difficult to measure outcomes of theory

Disengagement Theory As we age we disengage and withdraw from social activities and social roles-a gradual mutual withdrawal from society as a whole with minimal impact on social equilibrium Not based on empirical support. Does Society benefit from the withdrawal of seniors? Problems with the many types of disengagement and has not examined carefully the cognitive processes involved in disengaging

Second Generation Theories Continuity Theory Continuity holds that as we age people make choices to preserve with the past both internal and external. This theory posits that it is optimized when people’s lives change with personal preference, personality and social expectations. This theory lacks consideration of social structures-age, disability, income and does not adequately explain mal-adaptive behaviors in mid-life

Social Exchange Theory Person to person interaction focused on calculation and negotiations that transpire between individuals as they seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs What resources do seniors bring to the table and how can this be equalized? (p67) Reciprocity is a key concept-more resources the more satisfying social relationships

Age Stratification Theory See pages 68-70. Two key terms-cohort flow and individual aging-physiological and maturational change over time. Allocation is used to describe suitable roles for people at various age levels. This is based on factors such as cultural values and economic conditions. In this theory, socialization is used to describe the learning and internalization of the AS concepts. Structural lag is used to describe limited opportunity with the growing numbers of seniors

Aging and Modernization Four aspects-health technology (p70)-economic modernization (new and specialized jobs which require special training and often location in urban areas)-urbanization which tends to lower the status of the aged and their familial roles-Education-children gain more knowledge and skill than their parents which again changes the status of the elderly. Look at the value issues-p71-decline in status, youth culture, value of work.

Critique Theory is not explicit and needs to have more specific definitional terms It is ethnocentric, using developed societies as a norm May not be a linear concept, but more dynamic in nature. It makes people homogeneous and does not recognized the influence of social status and mix

Political Economy of Aging The experience of old age can only be understood within the context of the economy-p72 The economy creates structural inequality, labels shape the experience of old age, social policy mirrors wider social inequalities, social policy reflects the dominant belief system, the role of the state in people’s lives as they age. Aging problems are socially constructed not biologically determined. Structural dependency is a key factor in Western society.

Political Economy This theory links with AD and the constructed crisis of pop aging, and the distribution of capital resources. More people now exist on public pensions and state benefits

Life Course perspective Dominant perspective in Gerontology with roots in age stratification (p 73). See def of life course, life span, life cycle, life history. Life history (page 74). Life span (p74). Life course (p74) The theory is based on socially marked sequence of transitions, linked with historical time and the cohort and period effect. Four major principles-shaped by historical and geographical placement-impact of transitions or events-lives lived interdependently-individual construct their life course by choice and action

Life Course Critique-needs to articulate social structure and effect. Too micro focused. More explanation of life stage principles. Expand the concept of Agency-how do individuals shape or change structures-what is the “dark side” of agency-risk, stress, uncertainty

Third Generation Theory Feminist Theory-examines gender and power relationships and how these are embedded in social processes and institutions (read p 78-79) Key principles are the social construction of gender, biological determinism, family and leisure patterns, social worth, attraction, social value, political power, social definitions and rules. How to give voice to women’s issues as they age, rights to services and resources

Critical Theory, Postmodernism and Productive Aging CT seeks a self-awareness and a deconstruction of assumptions underlying mainstream gerontological theories and research-critiques the present social order and treatment of the aged (p80-81) PM-anti-theoretical, considers cultural and social contexts of aging and power relationships between people and authority and public policy PA-how to maintain a productive potential as we age and bridging age transitions-eg. Caregiving, volunteering, education and training.