BY DIANA CALHOUN

Stratification by Age

Children have never been any good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.

~James Baldwin~

Aging & Society

What is age?Age is an ascribed status that changes over time.

Age stratification, like gender stratification varies between cultures.

Age stratification is inevitable in most cases do to physical constraints . (ex. Physically demanding jobs)What do you see in the

picture to the right?

•An old man.•A white male.•A married man.•A man with glasses.

Being old is a master status. Once you are considered old, that is usually the first thing that people point out.

DISCUSION TOPIC

How do you think aging changes over time? How do you believe that the experience of old generations of modern day compares to generations of the past? Do you think this will differ from what our experience may be in the future?

Aging & Society

In the United States, elderly people can be classified as a minority based on the model of the five basic properties of a minority group:

1. Unequal treatment

2. Shared physical characteristics

3. Involuntary membership in group

4. Group solidarity

5. Marriage affiliation

Negative stereotypes associated with elderly people perpetuate their role as a minority group.

DISCUSSION

Have you noticed signs of second class treatment of the elderly? If so, in what ways?

Sociological Perspectives on Aging

Gerontology – the scientific study of the sociological and psychological aspects of aging and the problems the aged

A gerontologist is an individual who studies the sociological principles and theories to explain the impact of aging on individuals and society.

Gerontologists have varying views of aging. Primarily the theories of disengagement and activity.

Sociological Perspectives on Aging

Disengagement theory

This theory states that society and the aging mutually break many of their relationships.

It emphasizes the notion that social roles are passed down from one generation to another as a means of maintaining social stability.

Some Gerontologists disagree with this theory because it encourages the aging to be cast aside and removed from a meaningful role in society. Counterpoint: Recent years have

shown an increase of elderly people in the work force.

Interactionist Approach: Active Theory

This theory states that the elderly remain active and social.

Pro activity theorists state that the improved physical well-being of the elderly increases the need for healthy socialization.

It further states that the elderly involve themselves with unpaid activities or post retirement employment.

Conflict Approach

This theory finds fault in both the Disengagement and Activity Theories because they ignore the social class of the elderly.

Conflict theorists state, the upper class elderly tend to enjoy old age more as opposed to the working class elderly.

It is viewed that the low status elderly are often exploited and face prejudice and discrimination.

Role Transitions Throughout the Life Course

Transitional stages take individuals from one point in their life to another.

According the psychologist Daniel Levinson, there are 3 stages:

Stage 1: Young adults move out on their own, begin careers and enter marriage.

Stage 2: During the second stage, individuals are traditionally at a midpoint in their life.

Stage 3: The final life stage occurs after the age of 60, during which individuals are adjusting to retirment.

Stage Two

This point of life is a period of great stress.

The second stage is a period of self evaluation where people reflect on what they have and have not achieved.

For some, it is referred to as a mid-life crisis.

People in stage 2 are sometimes considered as the “sandwich generation”, since the individuals cater to the needs of their children and aging parents.

Women usually bear the lion’s share of these demands , since they are traditionally are the primary caregivers.

Stage Three

This is a time when people prepare for and settle into the retirement years.

The phases include:•Pre retirement – When one anticipates and prepares for retirement.•The Near Phase – Period in which an individual finalizes the specifics of

their retirement.•Honeymoon Phase – The time right after retirement when an individual

enjoys the luxury of their newfound time.•Disenchantment Phase – This is the period when the retiree faces the

negative aspects of retirement, which may include financial and health issues.•Reorientation Phase – This involves the structuring of a realistic plan of retirement.•Stability Phase – The period during which an individual has adjusted to

retirement.•Termination Phase – This is when one can no longer participate in basic

daily activities.

DISCUSSION

How have people close to you dealt with their retirement from the workforce? At what age do you expect to retire?

Death and Dying

This is the final stage of transition.

Barring sudden events, it is traditionally met with 5 stages:•Denial•Anger•Bargaining•Depression•Acceptance

Individuals make this a time of settling outstanding issues, particularly financial, legal and family matters.

Some may even plan their own funeral and facilitate a smooth transition into death.

Aging Worldwide

Currently 7 percent of the world population is over 65.

In approximately 40 years it is estimated that every 1 n 3 people will be over the age of 65.

With an increased elderly population, all nations will face financial issues as they pay for the care of its elderly.

The World’s Oldest Countries, 2006

Percent age 65 or older

Death Worldwide

Cultures around the world transition into death in different ways according to their traditions.

•The Fulani people of Africa have the elderly family members move to the edge of their family homestead. This is where people are buried. They sleep over their own graves since the old are already considered dead.

•The Kaliai people of the South Pacific seek to have “a good death”. This consists of a final celebration hosted by the dying person to settle all debts and bring peace to those they leave behind.

•Western nations have utilized the practice of hospice care, which allows individuals to have a “natural death” or “death with dignity”

•In the Eskimo culture, elderly family members who feel they’re at the end of their life, will say goodbye to their family members. They will then venture into the wild to meet their death.

Age Stratification in the United States

There has been a increase in longevity of life expectancy and it is predicted that it will continue to increase.

Referred to as the “Graying of America”, this issue is currently on the forefront.

There is a vast difference in the socioeconomic status of this group.

Some are on fixed incomes, living in poverty while others enjoy and improve standard of living.

Currently the more impoverished elderly are women or part of an ethnic minority group.

Ageism

Ageism is a term used to define prejudice and discrimination based on ones age.

It is illustrated in the media, particularly in advertising. The elderly are rarely presented, but when they are, they are usually aligned with reliance upon others or addressing medical needs.

This was addressed in 2002 by the Senate Special Committee on Aging, which openly criticized the media’s negative depiction of the elderly .

Elderly Population in the US

(projection)year

Pro

port

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of

pop

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DISCUSSION

As you watch TV, how inclined would you be to watch a show based on the lives of elderly characters vs. younger characters? (ex. Golden Girls vs. Sex & the City)

Competition in the Labor Force

The work force currently encompasses a record number of elderly workers.In 2007, 34 percent of men and 25 percent of women, ages 65 to 69 were still active members of the workforce.

This has resulted in more competition in the labor force, as well as the practice of age discrimination.Age discrimination is illegal and in recent years complaints of this practice have risen 41 percent.

Some employers use incentive packages as a means of enticing its older workers into retirement.

Companies may use subtle discrimination tactics to avoid hiring older applicants.

Counterpoint: Some employers prefer elderly employees because the y feel they are more reliable, have a stronger work ethic and have more experience.

Elderly Advocacy

An increase in the elderly population has brought forth an increase in collective action for their causes.

Currently, the American Association of Retired People (AARP) has 37 million members. They encourage voter registration, and currently 1 out of every 4 registered voters is an AARP member.

AARP advocates for senior causes such as healthcare, and retirement programs to improve the lifestyles of its members.

This phenomenon of elderly advocacy is world wide. There are equivalents to AARP in other parts of the world such as Canada and Germany, which provide educational and recreational activities for seniors.