SOC246H1 Lecture Notes - Disengagement Theory, Activity Theory, Gerontology
Document Summary
There are unique possibilities for aging, there are not just down sides but there are positives we should look at the good things about aging. Key theories and concepts in the sociology of aging. Theories help us ask relevant questions and make social predictions. Two main questions/problems that began at the beginning of sociology: Integration how is it that in society that people are integrated in the social world. But are there any mechanisms in society that help us leave social roles. Disengagement theory: an inevitable and mutual withdrawal from social roles. Effectively, this reduces interaction between the aging individual and others in society. Disengagement assumed to be satisfying to the individual: less pressure to fulfill particular roles, more room to deviate. Disengagement is also assumed to be functional for society: have new workers come in and take those roles. Disengagement theory has been widely criticized: are people who don"t disengage unsuccessful dis-engagers , disengagement can take multiple forms.
