MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

SOC265 1996 Fall – 2009 Spring

Sociology of Aging

1.

Define social gerontology, ageism, and life course. (I)

2.

Explain how demographics influence the elderly person's life chances in the United States, as well as cross-culturally. (I)

3.

Describe three sociological perspectives sociologists use to analyze social gerontology. (II)

4.

Describe how the aging process is influenced by physiological, psychological, and sociological factors. (III)

5.

Describe the effects of social class, race/ethnicity, and gender on the individual's experience as he or she ages. (IV)

6.

Explain how physical/mental/substance abuse impacts the elderly. (IV)

7.

Identify conditions under which the elderly become victims of violence and economic exploitation. (IV)

8.

Describe the influence of various senior advocacy groups, such as AARP, on social policy decision-making involving issues of housing, health care, social security, work eligibility, and taxation. (IV)

9.

Explain, citing cross-cultural studies, some of the myths, attitudes, and beliefs concerning sexuality and intimacy in old age. (V)

10.

Describe three forms of interpersonal relationships experienced by the elderly, and how they affect the lifestyles and roles of the elderly. (V)

11.

Describe how retirement impacts an older person's life in relation to roles, values, attitudes, and economics. (V)

12.

Explain how industrialization and technology has changed the individual's (and family's) experience with dying and death. (V)

MCCCD Official Course Outline:

SOC265 1996 Fall – 2009 Spring

Sociology of Aging

I. Introduction

A. Social gerontology

B. Social construction of age/life course

C. Historical/multicultural context of aging

II. Theoretical paradigms

A. Sociological paradigms

1. Functional theory

2. Interactionist theory

3. Conflict theory

4. Exchange theory

B. Psychological perspectives

1. Personality theory

2. Continuity theory

3. Locus of control

III. Dimensions of the aging process

A. Physiological aging

B. Psychological aging

C. Social aging

D. Stereotypes/myths

IV. Aging in the societal context

A. Social inequality

1. Social class

2. Race/ethnicity

3. Gender

B. Social problems

1. Physical/mental abuse and neglect

2. Substance abuse

a. Drugs-prescription/over-the-counter

b. Alcohol

3. Victimization of the elderly

a. Violent criminal activities

b. Economic exploitation

4. Ageism

C. Political

1. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

2. Voting/political associations

3. Economic impacts

a. Social security

b. Taxation

c. Work eligibility

D. Health and medical

1. Medicare/medicaid

2. Private insurance

3. Quality and cost of health care

V. Aging in the social context

A. Issues: Sexuality and intimacy

B. Issues: Interpersonal relationships

1. Friends and neighbors

2. Family

C. Issues: Employment and retirement

1. Transition stages

2. Changing roles, values, and attitudes

3. Economic impacts

4. Leisure

5. Life style choices

D. Issues: Finishing well

1. Dying processes

2. Death experiences

3. Implications for family and significant others