SOC102H1 Lecture Notes - Filial Piety, Totalitarianism, Primogeniture
Document Summary
The experience of age varies historically; it also varies with class race and gender. Disengagement theory society needs to get rid of the old ppl to bring in the new ppl who will be able to work etc. -elaine cummings and william henry. Today old age is ignored feared or ridiculed in our youth-obsessed society. For the good of society an for themselves, elderly ppl must give up their positions and withdraw to the edges of society. Retirement empties important social positions allowing ppl form the nxt generation to move up the social hierarchy. Some sociologists would argue that forced retirement is merely age-based discrimination. Its a form of inequality exercised by the younger majority to further its own interests. Elderly ppl rarely withdraw from society of their own will. Elderly ppl are no more willing to take a backseat than are poor ppl women or raicla minorities.
