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 THEORIESFUNCTIONALISM

A 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 ProletariatConcluded that the hallmark of history is a

struggle for power Georg Simmel

Compared 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 culture

Focuses 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 Dependency

RECURRING PROBLEMS: RACE – ETHNICITY AND POVERTY IN OLD AGE

Ageism Shifting Meanings

Technology Influence of Mass Media

Changing 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.