c hapter 2 interpreting social problems: aging. s ociological t heories and s ocial p roblems...
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CHAPTER 2
Interpreting Social Problems: Aging
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Theory:A statement about how and why specific facts
are related.A theory provides a framework for organizing
facts, and in so doing, provides a way of interpreting reality.
Sociological Theory:Provides a framework for thinking about a
social issue from a perspective that we might otherwise neglect; a basic image of society that guides thinking and research.
THREE THEORIES
FUNCTIONALISMA social system composed of parts that
work together to benefit the whole CONFLICT THEORY
Groups competing with one another within the same social system; sees society as divided by inequality and conflict
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM People’s patterns of behavior always
changing; sees society as the product of individuals interacting with one another
FUNCTIONALISM AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS Major theory that sociologists use to interpret social
problems Sees society as a system with many interrelated
parts. When each part does its job, the system runs smoothly.
If some part fails, however, the whole machine can suffer (dysfunctions).
From the functionalist perspective, a social problem is the failure of some part of society that interferes with the society’s smooth functioning. Problems don’t stem from bad people but bad
institutions.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUNCTIONALISM
Auguste ComteSociety as organism
Herbert SpencerSociety as structure
Emile DurkheimNormal and abnormal states
Robert MertonFunctions and dysfunctions
APPLYING FUNCTIONALISM TO SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Major source of social problems is the inevitable consequence of change. Institutional change in one area of society disrupts
the equilibrium of society’s parts, forcing those parts to make new adjustments.
Aging: Society needs to pass its positions of responsibility (jobs) from one group (the elderly) to another group (younger people).Disengagement Theory – elderly disengage from
society/networks.
FUNCTIONALIST THEORY: AGINGFunctions:
Social Security transfers jobs from older workers to younger
Social Security not only benefits recipients but families, businesses, and workers at Social Security Administration
Nursing homes as positive environments Function of change in family/work patterns
Dysfunctions: Nursing home facilities can be inadequate or
detrimental Barriers to receiving adequate care and
treatment that the elderly face Rules and regulations
CONFLICT THEORY AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Below the surface, society’s parts are competing with one another for scarce resources.
From the conflict perspective, social problems are the natural and inevitable outcome of social struggle.
Conflict theory: views society as a system in competition and conflict Each group in society attempts to further its own
interests, even at the expense of others. As these interests collide, the social order becomes
unstable. Those in power exploit people and their resources for
their own benefit.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONFLICT THEORY
Karl MarxCapitalism and conflict
Bourgeoisie and Proletariat
Concluded that the hallmark of history is a struggle for power
Georg SimmelCompared the relationships of people who
occupy higher positions (superordinates) with those who are in lower positions (subordinates)
Lewis CoserAnalyzed why conflict is especially likely to
develop among people who have close relationships
APPLYING CONFLICT THEORY TO SOCIAL PROBLEMS
At the root of each social problem lies conflict over the distribution of power and privilege.
Social problems are inevitable, for it is inevitable that groups will come in conflict as they try to maintain or to gain control over power and privilege.Those with power don’t like to give it up.
Understanding that power and privilege lie at the root of social problems helps analysts to penetrate the surface and pinpoint what any particular social problem is all about.
APPLYING CONFLICT THEORY TO SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Two types of social problems:Trouble experienced by people who are
exploited by the powerfulTrouble experienced by the powerful when the
exploited resist, rebel, or even appeal to higher values
INTRODUCING FEMINIST THEORY Inspired by the Marxist theory and aims to
transform society instead of just studying it Patriarchy
Rule by men is understood to be the root of all this inequality.
To maintain this power, men create boundaries and obstacles for women, making it hard for them to gain power.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF FEMINIST THEORY
In 1970s, feminist theory was an umbrella term that described oppression of all women.
In 1980s, feminists split into five different branches of feminist theory: Radical feminism: dismantle society entirely to dissolve
patriarchy Liberal feminism: all people created equal and deserve
equal rights Socialist feminism: direct link between capitalist class
structure and oppression of women Cultural feminism: biological differences between men
and women should be appreciated Ecofeminism: patriarchy oppressive for women and
environment
APPLYING FEMINIST THEORY TO SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Social norms place the burden of care for elderly parents disproportionately on daughters, not sons.
In the U.S., men typically do not care for parent(s) because it is often assumed his wages are more vital than a woman’s.
Over the next several decades, the population of aged persons will continue to grow, while the number of caregivers remain constant.
Social problems are a result of the struggle over resources between men and women.
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS
The significance of cultureFocuses on the symbols that people use to make sense
out of life Symbols: things to which we attach meaning and
that we use to communicate with one another Because symbols change, so do social problems
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS: AGING
Earlier in our history, old age was a personal problem, not a social problem.What was once a personal problem has
become a social problemFrom the perspective of symbolic
interactionists, then, social problems are whatever people in a society define as social problems.
DEVELOPMENT OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
Georg Simmel (1858–1918)Chicago School
Charles Horton Cooley (1864–1929)Looking-glass self
George Herbert Mead (1863–1931)Role of the other and generalized other
Alfred Schutz (1899–1959), Peter Berger (1929), and Thomas Luckmann (1927–)Phenomenological sociology and social
construction of reality
APPLYING SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM TO SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Social Construction of Reality: the attempt to make sense of life by giving meaning to one’s experiences.
The Social Construction of Social Problems: Labeling
Simply means that people categorize things Put tags on other people or on events and then act
accordingly
3 THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
THE FUTURE OF THE PROBLEM: THE PENDULUM SWINGS
Economic growth and expansion of federal programs reduced poverty rate for the aged to below nation’s average
Some people think elderly are receiving more than their fair share.Reflects fundamental shift in the subjective
concerns of this social problemBelief centers on costs of health care
In about 20 years or so, one in five Americans will be elderly.This continuous growth will strain Social
Security and health care programs.
Figure 2.3
LIFE EXPECTANCY IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
THE EMERGING STRUGGLE “Congress has caved in and has given too many benefits
to old people.” Some want to trim Social Security, Medicare, and
other programs available to the elderly. To protect their gains, older Americans have
organized a powerful political lobby.
Conflict Perspective The AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired
Persons) boasts 38 million members and a staff of 1,200. Difficult for politicians to ignore these numbers
Gray Panthers
THE EMERGING STRUGGLE
The interests of younger and older groups are on a collision course.
Two major problems:Contributions to Social Security are not put
into a worker’s own account.Proportion that collect Social Security is
growing, proportion who are working (those who pay) is shrinking. Dependency ratio: number of workers compared with
number of Social Security recipients
SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS AND BENEFICIARIES: FEWER WORKERS TO SUPPORT THE RETIRED
Nursing Homes: Understaffing, Dehumanization, and
Death Gender Roles among Elderly Elder Abuse Elderly Poor
Gender and the Elderly Gender and Poverty Race-Ethnicity and Poverty
Problems of DependencyProblems of Dependency
RECURRING PROBLEMS: RACE – ETHNICITY AND POVERTY IN OLD AGE
Ageism
Shifting Meanings
Technology
Influence of Mass Media
Changing Perceptions of the ElderlyChanging Perceptions of the Elderly
POLITICS: CONSTRUCTING PROBLEMS AND DEFINING SOLUTIONS The Political Spectrum: a continuum representing a
range of political attitudes from “left” to “right” Plays huge role in determining how to solve social
problems Each has very different approaches solutions
Conservatives: Seek to limit the scope of societal change Focus on shortcomings of individuals not society
Liberals: Favor more sweeping change in society See problems in the organization of society
Radicals: Support policies that go beyond mere reform Can either be ultra liberal or ultra conservative
Who Thinks What? Social forces, structures, location, etc.
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