INTERPRETING SOCIAL PROBLEMS: THEORY & AGING Unit 2

Overview  What is a theory?  The 3 main theories in sociology  Functionalist theory and social problems  Conflict theory and social problems Feminist theory  Symbolic Interactionism and social problems  Applying theory to aging in the U.S.

Interpreting Social Problems Theory: A theory is really just a way of thinking; 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.

The Three Theories FUNCTIONALISM 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 SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM People’s patterns of behavior always changing, and people give meaning to behaviors

Functionalism and Social Problems  To see the application of functionalist perspective to social problems, think of society as a single machine with many parts. These parts are called social institutions. Some examples of social institutions are: Education, Healthcare, Military, Family, Economy, Politics, Religion  When each part does its job, the machine 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.

Functionalist Theory: Aging: social security and nursing homes Functions :  Social Security transfers jobs from older workers to younger Because of the availability of social security, older people can retire and have an income. This opens up jobs for young people  Social Security not only benefits recipients but families, businesses, and workers at Social Security Administration  Nursing homes as positive environments that help the aging  Nursing homes are a function of change in family/work patterns Dysfunctions :  Nearly 1 in 5 Americans is elderly. The needs of an aging population puts a tremendous strain on the system  Nursing home facilities can be inadequate or detrimental  Barriers to receiving adequate care and treatment that the elderly face  Rules and regulations

This is an excellent table from page 34 in your book and it provides a useful overview of how the functionalist view aging. Note that manifest function refers to the intended consequences and latent function refers to the unintended consequences

Conflict Theory and Social Problems Conflict theory: views society as a system in competition and conflict From the conflict perspective, social problems are the natural and inevitable outcome of social struggle  Each group in society attempts to further its own interests, even at the expense of others. “groups” include those various aspects of social location- gender, race, socioeconomic status, age, political and religious groups etc.  Those in power exploit people and their resources for their own benefit.  As these interests collide, the social order becomes unstable.

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.  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.

Feminist Theory  Feminist theory is a branch of conflict theory  Feminist theory examines male-female relationships, patriarchy, and female oppression  We can apply feminist theory to help us think about aging through a gendered lens – the burden of caring for the elderly falls disproportionately on women

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  Sees society as the product of individuals interacting with one another  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 What does AGE symbolize in U.S. society?  Because symbols change, so do social problems

Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems  Earlier in our history, old age was a personal problem, not a social problem. Today it is a social problem.  From the perspective of symbolic interactionists, then, social problems are whatever people in a society define as social problems.  Old age “symbolizes” something different today Consider that in 1900 the average life expectancy in the US was 47! Today is is about 78. So if you lived a long life then, it was rare, and people often valued this. Older people had valuable skills that took years to learn. Old age symbolized this in the past.

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  Stereotypes/Ageism

Symbolic Interactionism: Stereotypes and Ageism  We give meaning to our experiences by LABELING them. These labels are often stereotypical. Test your own stereotypes: How would you physically describe old people? Make a list of words that you think of when you read the word “OLD” Are your responses more positive or negative? What activities do you think old people are capable of accomplishing? (Working, exercise, dating….. sex?) Or consider the following scenarios and monitor your responses. What do you think about….  a 75 year old woman wearing a thong at the beach?  an elderly couple making out in the backseat of their car?  an elderly gentlemen having a keg party and inviting pretty young ladies?  a grandmother using the internet to date? You may find these examples humorous and the point is we have ideas about what older people should be like- we label them, and have expectations. This is a social construction based on stereotypes.

The Future of the Problem: The Pendulum Swings  Economic growth and expansion of federal programs have reduced poverty rate for the aged to below nation’s average  Some people think the elderly are receiving more than their fair share.  Reflects fundamental shift in the subjective concerns of this social problem  Belief 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.

The Emerging Struggle 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.  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

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  How will we solve this problem? This is a fiercely debated issue with, unfortunately, no easy resolution.  What solutions do you propose?