Age - Functionalism

Question 1

Why do functs think young people deserve less money?

Answer 1

Because they have fewer skills and less experience

Question 2

Parsons: organic analogy

Answer 2

Societal institutions are like body organs, each performing specific functions which were necessary to the maintenance of the whole.

Question 3

Examples of Parson’s organic analogy

Answer 3

1) School socializes kids so that they become functional adults
2) Retirement homes are where the elderly go to die

Question 4

Parson and Eisenstadt

Answer 4

Youth is a time for individuals to grow up and learn their new adult roles.

Question 5

Parsons: who threatens social stability?

Answer 5

Rebellious youth and dependent elderly

Question 6

Parsons: youth culture

Answer 6

Youth is a bridge from childhood to adulthood that needs sanctions.

Youth behaving in dysfunctional ways to society can allow for a more integrated society later. Formal and informal agents of control deal with deviant behaviour so that they become functional adults.

Question 7

What benefit do functs believe the elderly bring to society?

Answer 7

They are an invaluable source of free childcare for families.

Question 8

Eisenstadt

Answer 8

Different age groups learn new roles, leading to further cohesion

Question 9

Cummings and Henry: Disengagement theory

Answer 9

The elderly gradually reduce their social interaction and roles (like work, parenthood) while society reduces its expectations of them, allowing for a smooth transition of roles to avoid gaps in society. People should voluntarily accept this process.

Question 10

Evaluations of Disengagement theory

Answer 10

Too determinist
Active engagement can benefit older adults
Not all people deteriorate at the same rate

Question 11

Victor

Answer 11

Elderly are labelled as ‘useless, lonely, dependant and unable to learn’.

Question 12

Pilcher

Answer 12

Youth is a state of transition between childhood and adulthood -
young people try to move away from the rules and protection of childhood and work toward taking part fully in society like adults do.

Dependence vs independence

Question 13

What directly opposes disengagement theory?

Answer 13

The Activity Theory of Aging - remaining engaged in activities and social interactions can slow and ameliorate the process of aging in older adults.