State the essential insights of structural-functional, symbolic-interaction analysis, social-conflict analysis, and feminist analysis of aging. Also note at least one limitation of each. Which makes the most sense to you? Why?
What will be an ideal response?
• Structural-functional theory highlights ways in which social patterns help societies operate smoothly. Disengagement theory argues that society must disengage elders from important roles, passing responsibilities from one generation to the next.
• Symbolic-interaction theory focuses on the meaning people find in their everyday lives. Activity theory states that elders who remain involved in many social activities have greater life satisfaction.
• Social-conflict theory highlights age as a dimension of social stratification. Modern societies define elderly people in negative terms, causing both prejudice and discrimination.
• Feminist theory focuses on the importance of gender stratification in old age. Older women and other minorities, subject not only to ageism but also to sexism and racism, are much more disadvantaged, as intersection theory explains.
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