Theoretical Perspectives on Aging

Vocabulary flashcards covering key aging theories and concepts from functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives, including major theories (disengagement, activity, continuity, modernization, age stratification, exchange, subculture of aging, SOC, gerotranscendence) and related terms (ADEA).

Functionalist perspective on aging

Views aging in terms of social roles and functions; the elderly are a vital part of society and adjust through resources, activity, and replacement roles to keep society running smoothly.

Disengagement theory

An early functionalist idea that withdrawal from social roles and relationships is natural in old age, leading to less reinforcement of norms and gendered differences; criticized for overgeneralization.

Activity theory

The idea that happiness in old age comes from high levels of activity and social involvement; access to opportunities matters; critics note unequal access and varying fulfillment with activity.

Continuity theory

Proposes that elders maintain consistent internal identities and external social roles to preserve social equilibrium; criticized for emphasizing 'normal aging' and marginalizing chronic illness.

Conflict perspective on aging

Views aging as a struggle for scarce resources and power between age groups; includes modernization theory, age stratification theory, and exchange theory.

Modernization theory (aging within conflict perspective)

As society industrializes, elders lose power and become more peripheral; extended families decline, care becomes more individualistic, and elders may be seen as economic burdens.

Age stratification theory

Society stratifies its members by age, creating varying access to resources and power; age norms guide behavior; informed by policies like the Age Discrimination and Employment Act.

Age Discrimination and Employment Act (ADEA)

U.S. law protecting workers 40+ from discrimination in employment; prohibits forced retirement and age-based job criteria; enacted in 1967 and amended over time.

Exchange theory

A rational-choice view where aging increases dependence; social circles shrink as bargaining power declines; ongoing participation in exchanges is needed to avoid marginalization; criticized for overemphasizing material exchange.

Symbolic interactionism (aging)

A micro-level view focusing on daily interactions and meanings; aging has no intrinsic meaning—societal labels shape attitudes and identities of the elderly.

Subculture of aging (Rose)

A symbolic interactionist idea that elders form a distinct community when excluded from other groups, developing shared interests (e.g., Medicare issues) and group consciousness (e.g., AARP).

Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC)

A framework where aging involves selecting goals, optimizing remaining abilities, and compensating for losses; helps explain how older adults adapt, e.g., phased retirement.

Gerotranscendence (Tornstam)

A symbolic interactionist theory that aging can lead to transcendence—less self-centered, more peaceful, wiser, and more connected to the natural world; not all elderly achieve wisdom.