HLTHAGE 1BB3 Lecture 2: Theories
9 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Social gerontology: scientific study of old age and its social effects: subfield within the wider field of gerontology, examines social side of aging as well as practice-related issues, looks at aging from perspective of individuals and society. Interpret results of studies: guide research, provide lenses to examine the research data, help to select research methods, questions, and samples, no one gerontology theory can explain all the facts. Levels of theory: micro-level theories, marco-level theories: Structural functionalism theories: treat society as a system consisting of social institutions, society constantly adjusting to changes brought on by internal and external pressures, criticism: assumes that society changes or evolves in a positive direction. Disengagement theory: mutual withdrawal of individual and society to restore balance to the system, disengagement is universal and beneficial for individuals and society. Activity theory: engagement in activity facilitated adjustment to aging, assumes that any activity will suffice.
