Functionalism Age inequalities

Question 1

Parsons age stability

Point 1

Answer 1

The importance of institutions in society is to maintain social stability.
Certain age groups have norms and values that might threaten society (rebellious youth or dependent elderly).
Functionalists focus on society’s role in managing these issues as well as the cause of inequality at these times.

Question 2

Parsons Youth culture

Point 2

Answer 2

outh culture is the bridge between childhood and adulthood.
Some youths may act in a way that seems dysfunctional for society but children are just ‘getting these things out of their system’ in preparation for adulthood.
Social control teaches youth what is right and wrong preparing them for adulthood.

Question 3

Parsons - eldery people take on new social role to ensure stability Point 3

Statham (2011)

Answer 3

Statham (2011) rgues that grandparents take on many social roles, from casual babysitting to regular help.

New social roles lead to Cohesion and solidarity

Question 4

Cummings and Henry (1961) Point 4

Answer 4

Argue that why is it rationale for individuals who know that death is approaching and who have seen friends of their age pass, to begin to anticipate their own deaths.

Functionalists recognise that people leaving their rolein society causes a gap that must be filled for social stability to be maintained.

This social disengagemtn functions to allow younger members of society to take place of the old .

Question 5

Would would criqtue this

Answer 5

Marxists = would argue that young people provide a cheap poo of flexible labour (a reverse army of labour) that be hired and fired as necessary.

Contemporary example. = Zero hour contracts

Feminists = would argue that age affects women;s power and status in society as older women face inequalities created by the patriarchy that older men do not face. Arber and Ginn (1991)

Weber = would argue that you need to consider a person’s class, party and satus in order to understand their social inequality.

Question 6

New right Murry

Answer 6

• In the USA in the 1980s Black people were part of a dysfunctional underclass brought about by a too-generous welfare system which discouraged work.
• This underclass was largely made up of never married single mothers and young men who lacked fathers and therefore positive role models.
• Murray suggested that in the 1990s this underclass could be seen in the UK.