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SocialRoles.html.zip

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Social Roles

Old age is more a perception than a reality. The phrase “you are only as old as you feel” is one way of describing social aging. However, you also have to consider a number of ways in which society views the aging process. One of the older theories (dating back to the 1940s) regarding aging is role theory. Role theory describes aging through the many roles we have in our lives. From a social psychology perspective, these roles are described as social norms. One of the most common or obvious roles that we have is our career. For many of us, our career is a major component of our identity. For many individuals, retirement is accompanied by a great sense of loss, as they struggle to find a new identity without a career to define their role in life. Role theory in regards to social aging would fit well with how a person’s career defines in part the person, but it also establishes one of the ways in which older adults may be viewed in a somewhat stereotypical fashion. Social and cultural norms dictate that to be successful and be part of society, a person needs to have a job and career. Much of our early adult life is focused on obtaining the necessary credentials and education to work.

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Theories of Social Aging

Listed below are descriptions of seven different theories of social aging. The names of the theories are listed to the right. Match the name of each theory with the correct description of that theory. Click on a theory and drag it onto the open space next to a description of a theory of social aging.

Theory of Social Aging

Description

A Disengagement theory

B This theory examines the gender-based influences in aging and the limitations of aging theories due to gender bias.

B Feminist perspective

D This approach is focused on the normative and non-normative events that occur over a person’s lifetime.

C Symbiotic interactionism

A This perspective is rooted in the belief that there is a need to have a transfer of power so that the old make room for the young.

D Life course perspective

E This approach argues that we are defined by who we are, such as our career and age group.

E Role theory F This is related to the idea that social aging theories are based more on a specific group, which leaves out the unique qualities of a more diverse population.

F Postmodernist theories of aging

G This theory is based on the idea that a person’s status is based in part on the contributions he or she can provide to society.

G Social exchange theory

C This perspective is based on the interactions between others as well as the individuals’ thoughts and their feelings regarding aging.

Page 2 of 2 Elderly Development

Explanations of the Theories of Social Aging

The feminist perspective examines the gender-based influences in aging and the limitations of aging theories due to gender bias.

The life course perspective is focused on the normative and non-normative events that occur over a person’s lifetime.

Disengagement theory is rooted in the belief that there is a need to have a transfer of power so that the old make room for the young.

Role theory argues that we are defined by who we are, such as our career and age group.

Postmodernist theories of aging are related to the idea that social aging theories are based more on a specific group, which leaves out the unique qualities of a more diverse population.

Social exchange theory is based on the idea that a person’s status is based in part on the contributions he or she can provide to society.

Symbiotic interactionism is based on the interactions between others as well as the individuals’ thoughts and their feelings regarding aging.

Theories of Social Aging
Listed below are descriptions of seven different theories of social aging. The names of the theories are listed to the right. Match the name of each theory with the correct description of that theory. Click on a theory and drag it onto the open space next to a description of a theory of social aging.
Description
Theory of Social Aging
This theory examines the gender-based influences in aging and the limitations of aging theories due to gender bias.
B
Disengagement theory
A
This approach is focused on the normative and non-normative events that occur over a person’s lifetime.
D
Feminist perspective
B
This perspective is rooted in the belief that there is a need to have a transfer of power so that the old make room for the young.
A
Symbiotic interactionism
C
This approach argues that we are defined by who we are, such as our career and age group.
E
Life course perspective
D
This is related to the idea that social aging theories are based more on a specific group, which leaves out the unique qualities of a more diverse population.
F
Role theory
E
This theory is based on the idea that a person’s status is based in part on the contributions he or she can provide to society.
G
Postmodernist theories of aging
F
This perspective is based on the interactions between others as well as the individuals’ thoughts and their feelings regarding aging.
C
Social exchange theory
G
Explanations of the Theories of Social Aging
The feminist perspective examines the gender-based influences in aging and the limitations of aging theories due to gender bias.
The life course perspective is focused on the normative and non-normative events that occur over a person’s lifetime.
Disengagement theory is rooted in the belief that there is a need to have a transfer of power so that the old make room for the young.
Role theory argues that we are defined by who we are, such as our career and age group.
Postmodernist theories of aging are related to the idea that social aging theories are based more on a specific group, which leaves out the unique qualities of a more diverse population.
Social exchange theory is based on the idea that a person’s status is based in part on the contributions he or she can provide to society.
Symbiotic interactionism is based on the interactions between others as well as the individuals’ thoughts and their feelings regarding aging.

Theories of Social Aging

	Theory of Social Aging		Description
A	Disengagement theory	B	This theory examines the gender-based influences in aging and the limitations of aging theories due to gender bias.
B	Feminist perspective	D	This approach is focused on the normative and non-normative events that occur over a person’s lifetime.
C	Symbiotic interactionism	A	This perspective is rooted in the belief that there is a need to have a transfer of power so that the old make room for the young.
D	Life course perspective	E	This approach argues that we are defined by who we are, such as our career and age group.
E	Role theory	F	This is related to the idea that social aging theories are based more on a specific group, which leaves out the unique qualities of a more diverse population.
F	Postmodernist theories of aging	G	This theory is based on the idea that a person’s status is based in part on the contributions he or she can provide to society.
G	Social exchange theory	C	This perspective is based on the interactions between others as well as the individuals’ thoughts and their feelings regarding aging.

Explanations of the Theories of Social Aging

The feminist perspective examines the gender-based influences in aging and the limitations of aging theories due to gender bias.

The life course perspective is focused on the normative and non-normative events that occur over a person’s lifetime.

Disengagement theory is rooted in the belief that there is a need to have a transfer of power so that the old make room for the young.

Role theory argues that we are defined by who we are, such as our career and age group.

Postmodernist theories of aging are related to the idea that social aging theories are based more on a specific group, which leaves out the unique qualities of a more diverse population.

Social exchange theory is based on the idea that a person’s status is based in part on the contributions he or she can provide to society.

Symbiotic interactionism is based on the interactions between others as well as the individuals’ thoughts and their feelings regarding aging.

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Elderly Development