Sociology 0011A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Structural Functionalism, Norm (Social), Population Ageing

• School: Western University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: Sociology 0011A/B
• Professor: Stephen Lin

Document Summary

Theories explain something by stating causal relationships that connect processes or events that have been, or can be, empirically observed. Theories at grand (universal) and middle range. This definition focuses on causal relationships ( the why question). Theories help us see (and not to see) different aspects of aging. Paradigm: the world views that underlie different groups of theories: deep-seated assumptions, influences choice of theory, methods, measures, interpretations, ex: spaghetti sauce --> there are several ways of interpreting it, the spanish way, French way, italian way: ex: structural functionalist, conflict, feminist, symbolic interaction. Use analytical question (dimension) for assessing theories and what they help us to see (or not to see) Concern with adjustment of aging individual to society. Personal changes associated with aging (e. g. retirement, physical) Extending your social support level at an individual level. Impact on social institutions: changes in service needs, cost (e. g. health care)