Social Problems: A Down-to-Earth Guide, 11eJames M. Henslin

Chapter 2Interpreting Social Problems: Aging

Introduction

• Societies devise ways of “covering up” when the elderly have outlived their social usefulness.

• Every society must determine how to handle the problem of people who grow old and frail.

2.1 - Sociological Theories and Social Problems

• Theory

• Sociological Theory

• Three Sociological Theories

Video: George Ritzer: Importance of Sociological Theory

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Theory

• Explains how two or more concepts (or facts) are related, such as age and suicide.

• 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.

Three Sociological 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

Explore: George Ritzer: Importance of Sociological Theory

 

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2.2 - Functionalism and Social Problems

• Introducing Functionalism

• The Development of Functionalism

• Applying Functionalism to Social Problems

• Functionalism and Social Problems: A Summary

Introducing Functionalism

• Functionalists compare society to a self-adjusting machine with many parts.– Each part of the machine has a function.– Failure of a part is a dysfunction.

• Social problems result from unresolved dysfunctions interfering with another part of society.

No stereotype does justice to the variety of the elderly. The two lifestyles represented here are likely a reflection of lifestyles followed in earlier stages of the life course. These choices also have a major impact on health, as we discuss in Chapter 10.

The Development of Functionalism

• Auguste Comte– Society as organism

• Emile Durkheim– Normal and abnormal states– Structure

• Robert Merton– Functions (Manifest and Latent)– Dysfunctions

Applying Functionalism to Social Problems

• Equilibrium

• When the parts of society function there is balance.

• Social Problem

• Some part of society is not working. (Dysfunction)

• Example: Nursing Homes

A common fear is that old age will bring dementia, frailty, dependence, even the lack of control over bodily functions. In nursing homes, the elderly are sometimes treated as though they were little children.

Based on Freed 1994; Nishio 1994; Otten 1995; Mackellar andHorlacher 2000; “Hello Kitty Robot …” 2006; Statistical Handbook of Japan 2009; Mori and Scearce 2010.

2.3 - Conflict Theory and Social Problems

• Introducing Conflict Theory

• The Development of Conflict Theory

• Applying Conflict Theory to Social Problems

• Conflict Theory and Social Problems: A Summary

Introducing Conflict Theory

• Conflict theorist assume disequilibrium and conflict.– The parts of society are not harmonious.

• Below the surface, society’s parts compete for limited resources.

• Social problems are the natural and inevitable outcome of social struggle.

The Development of Conflict Theory

• Karl Marx– Capitalism and Conflict

• Georg Simmel– Subordinates and Superordinates

• Lewis Coser– Conflict in Social Networks

Applying Conflict Theory to Social Problems

• At the root of each social problem lies conflict over the distribution of power and privilege.

• To understand a social problem:– Identify the players.– Understand the historical background.– Who has power?

• Example: Social Conflict and Social Security

The U.S. elderly are a potent political force today. They were not considered so until Dr. Francis Everett Townsend (pictured here) organized them as a political force in the 1930s. Townsend proposed a radical $200 per month Pension plan for the elderly in the midst of the Great Depression. His plan and campaign against Congressfrightened politicians.

Conflict Theory and Social Problems: A Summary• Conflict and Social Problems

– Root of each social problem is the distribution of power and privilege.

• Two Types of Social Problems

• Trouble is experienced by:– people who are exploited by the powerful.– powerful when the exploited resist, rebel, or even appeal

to higher values.

2.4 - Introducing Feminist Theory

• The Development of Feminist Theory

• Applying Feminist Theory to Social Problems: Focusing on Gender

The Development of Feminist Theory

• Radical feminism

• Liberal feminism

• Socialist feminism

• Cultural feminism

• Ecofeminism

Applying Feminist Theory to Social Problems

• Social problems are a result of the struggle over resources between men and women.

• Example: sexual division of labor– Define work– Whose work carries more value?

2.5 - Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems

• Introducing Symbolic Interactionism

• The Development of Symbolic Interactionism

• Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Social Problems

• Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems: A Summary

Introducing Symbolic Interactionism

• We see the world through symbols. – Symbols carry meaning and are used to

communicate.– Symbols shape our understanding of the world.

• What is associated with the symbol “old”?

• Changing symbols, changing perception.– Social problems are symbols.

Prior to machine production, the elderly were given high respect because of their skills. Respect for the elderly dropped as machines replaced humanskills. Exceptions remain, such as this artisan in Cremona, Italy.

PHYLLIS MOEN, professor of sociologyat the University of Minnesota, doesresearch on the problems and challengespeople face as they advance through thelife course. Much of her research focuseson the careers and working lives of peoplewho are approaching retirement age.Here is what she wrote for your text.

Development of Symbolic Interactionism• George Herbert Mead

– Taking the role of the other– Generalized other

• Charles Horton Cooley – Looking-glass self

• Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann – Social construction of reality

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Social Problems

• Social Construction of Social Problems.– Social problems don’t have independent

existence.

• A social problem emerges when it is labeled a “social problem.”

When this man took his life, his family and friends went through a process called the social construction of reality.

Symbolic Interactionism and Social Problems: A Summary

• Social problems are socially constructed.

• An objective condition of society is labeled a “social problem.”

2.6 - The Future of the Problem: The Pendulum Swings

• Changing Objective Conditions and Subjective Concerns

• The Emerging Struggle

Changing Objective Conditions and Subjective ConcernsObjective Conditions• In 1970, 25% of elderly were poor.• Today, 9% of elderly are poor. • In 1950, Social Security payments were $784

million.• Today, Social Security payments are $725

billion.

Subjective Concerns• Misleading images of sick and neglected

The Emerging Struggle

• Today, 1 in 7 or 8 Americans is age 65+.• In about 20 years or so, 1 in 5 Americans will be

65+– This is a powerful political force.

• The rapid increase those 65+ means a rapid increase in Social Security and health care costs.

• The young and old are facing crisis situations. As the dependency ratio drops, Social Security recipients will feel strain.

Poverty of the aged is a global problem. I took the photo of the woman searching through garbage in Riga, Latvia, and the photo of the man begging on the street corner in Rome, Italy. In all societies, people who have more money have fewer physical and mental health problems and an easier time adjusting to old age.

The increasing number of people reaching 100 years of age is new to the world scene. Shown here is a 104-year old man in Syracuse, New York, dancing with one of the guests at his birthday party.

The elderly have become a powerful Political force. It is perilous for politicians to ignore their demands.

In the United States, a land of wealth and bountiful resources, we can ask why millions of children continue to live in poverty.

Question for Discussion

Explain how each theory approaches the study of social problems.