Question 1

Define disengagement theory and discuss the controversy surrounding its implications.

Accepted Answer

Disengagement theory is a social theory that suggests that as people age, they naturally withdraw from society and disengage from social roles and relationships. This theory was first proposed by social scientists Elaine Cumming and William Earl Henry in 1961. According to disengagement theory, this withdrawal is a normal and inevitable part of the aging process, and it is beneficial for both the individual and society as a whole.

However, there is significant controversy surrounding the implications of disengagement theory. Critics argue that the theory is based on outdated and ageist assumptions about aging, and that it may contribute to the marginalization and neglect of older adults. They argue that the theory fails to account for the wide variation in how individuals experience aging, and that it overlooks the potential for continued social engagement and contribution by older adults.

Furthermore, some researchers have found evidence that contradicts the predictions of disengagement theory. Studies have shown that many older adults remain actively engaged in their communities and social networks, and that continued social involvement can have positive effects on physical and mental well-being in later life.

In response to these criticisms, alternative theories of aging have been proposed, such as activity theory and continuity theory, which emphasize the importance of maintaining social connections and engagement as people age. These theories suggest that older adults can continue to find meaning and fulfillment through their social roles and relationships, and that society should support and encourage their continued participation.

Overall, while disengagement theory has sparked important discussions about aging and society, its implications remain controversial and are subject to ongoing debate and research. It is important to consider the diverse experiences and needs of older adults, and to promote inclusive and supportive environments that enable continued social engagement and contribution in later life.

Question 2

Disengagement theory is a

Accepted Answer

A) functionalist theory of aging,which contends that elderly people who remain active will be best-adjusted. 
B) conflict theory of aging,which argues that society and the aging individual mutually sever many of their relationships. 
C) functionalist theory of aging,which argues that society and the aging individual mutually sever many of their relationships. 
D) theory of the United States' withdrawal from international involvement. 
A) functionalist theory of aging,which contends that elderly people who remain active will be best-adjusted. 
B) conflict theory of aging,which argues that society and the aging individual mutually sever many of their relationships. 
C) functionalist theory of aging,which argues that society and the aging individual mutually sever many of their relationships. 
D) theory of the United States' withdrawal from international involvement. C

Question 3

Which sociologists were responsible for developing the disengagement theory?

Accepted Answer

A) Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and Richard Kalish 
B) Elaine Cumming and William Henry 
C) Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton 
D) Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels 
A) Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and Richard Kalish 
B) Elaine Cumming and William Henry 
C) Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton 
D) Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels B

Question 4

The elderly exhibit traits of a minority group,including the fact that

Accepted Answer

A) they are indistinguishable from the rest of the population. 
B) they are unlikely to be married to others of comparable age. 
C) membership in the group is involuntary. 
D) there is little solidarity among them as a group. 
A) they are indistinguishable from the rest of the population. 
B) they are unlikely to be married to others of comparable age. 
C) membership in the group is involuntary. 
D) there is little solidarity among them as a group.

Question 5

Activity theory would imply that older married people have a higher risk of dying than those who live alone.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

The functionalist perspective maintains that

Accepted Answer

A) once people are labeled as "old" in the United States,this designation will have a major impact on how they are perceived and how they view themselves. 
B) elderly people are unfairly regulated by the powerful elements in society. 
C) elderly people passing social roles on from one generation to another ensure social stability. 
D) old people have the same need for social interaction as any other group. 
A) once people are labeled as "old" in the United States,this designation will have a major impact on how they are perceived and how they view themselves. 
B) elderly people are unfairly regulated by the powerful elements in society. 
C) elderly people passing social roles on from one generation to another ensure social stability. 
D) old people have the same need for social interaction as any other group.

Question 7

A salesperson in his mid sixties is told by his peers,his family,and his boss that it is about time to retire and reap the fruits of his longtime career and his well-endowed pension fund.He eventually gives in to their persistent pressure.This is consistent with

Accepted Answer

A) conflict theory. 
B) disengagement theory. 
C) activity theory. 
D) labeling theory. 
A) conflict theory. 
B) disengagement theory. 
C) activity theory. 
D) labeling theory.

Question 8

According to which theoretical perspective is old age a time when people are victimized and their social roles devalued?

Accepted Answer

A) functionalist 
B) conflict 
C) interactionist 
D) feminist 
A) functionalist 
B) conflict 
C) interactionist 
D) feminist

Question 9

Which of the following is correct regarding age?

Accepted Answer

A) Age is a socially constructed ascribed status. 
B) Age is considered an achieved status. 
C) The status of age is not socially constructed like race or gender. 
D) Age is neither an achieved nor an ascribed status. 
A) Age is a socially constructed ascribed status. 
B) Age is considered an achieved status. 
C) The status of age is not socially constructed like race or gender. 
D) Age is neither an achieved nor an ascribed status.

Question 10

Unlike race or gender,age is not socially constructed.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

According to which theoretical perspective do social roles remain relatively unchanged as people age?

Accepted Answer

A) functionalist 
B) conflict 
C) interactionist 
D) feminist 
A) functionalist 
B) conflict 
C) interactionist 
D) feminist

Question 12

Gerontology is

Accepted Answer

A) rule by the elderly. 
B) the scientific study of the sociological and psychological aspects of aging and the problems of the aged. 
C) a religious cult that worships the aged. 
D) a religion formed in Florida that is practiced exclusively by the aged. 
A) rule by the elderly. 
B) the scientific study of the sociological and psychological aspects of aging and the problems of the aged. 
C) a religious cult that worships the aged. 
D) a religion formed in Florida that is practiced exclusively by the aged.

Question 13

Which sociological approach would most likely view old age as a "master status" that has consequences for how the elderly are treated in the United States?

Accepted Answer

A) disengagement theory 
B) activity theory 
C) labeling theory 
D) functionalist perspective 
A) disengagement theory 
B) activity theory 
C) labeling theory 
D) functionalist perspective

Question 14

What age do people have to be in order for writers to commonly refer to them as "young old"?

Accepted Answer

A) 50s 
B) 60s 
C) 70s 
D) 80s 
A) 50s 
B) 60s 
C) 70s 
D) 80s

Question 15

Marilyn,who has worked as a research scientist for 40 years,voluntarily retires at 64 years of age.However,she is in good health and spends most of her time hiking,doing volunteer work at a local hospital,and dating many of the eligible men in her community.Marilyn's behavior reflects which sociological theory?

Accepted Answer

A) activity theory 
B) family systems theory 
C) conflict theory 
D) disengagement theory 
A) activity theory 
B) family systems theory 
C) conflict theory 
D) disengagement theory

Question 16

In analyzing the elderly as a minority,one crucial difference between older people and other subordinate groups is that

Accepted Answer

A) older people are not the objects of prejudice and discrimination. 
B) membership is not involuntary. 
C) if we live long enough,we will all become members of this minority. 
D) old people do not marry members of their own group. 
A) older people are not the objects of prejudice and discrimination. 
B) membership is not involuntary. 
C) if we live long enough,we will all become members of this minority. 
D) old people do not marry members of their own group.

Question 17

The elderly are categorized as a subordinate group or minority because

Accepted Answer

A) membership in the group is involuntary. 
B) older U.S.citizens have a strong sense of group solidarity. 
C) older people experience unequal treatment in employment and may face prejudice and discrimination. 
D) All of these answers are correct. 
A) membership in the group is involuntary. 
B) older U.S.citizens have a strong sense of group solidarity. 
C) older people experience unequal treatment in employment and may face prejudice and discrimination. 
D) All of these answers are correct.

Question 18

Which sociological perspective criticizes both disengagement theory and activity theory for failing to consider the impact of social structure on patterns of aging?

Accepted Answer

A) functionalist perspective 
B) conflict perspective 
C) interactionist perspective 
D) global perspective 
A) functionalist perspective 
B) conflict perspective 
C) interactionist perspective 
D) global perspective

Question 19

Activity theory is a(an)

Accepted Answer

A) functionalist theory of aging,which contends that elderly people who remain active will be best-adjusted. 
B) conflict theory of aging,which argues that society and the aging individual mutually sever many of their relationships. 
C) functionalist theory of aging,which argues that society and the aging individual mutually sever many of their relationships. 
D) interactionist theory of aging,which argues that elderly people who remain active will be best-adjusted. 
A) functionalist theory of aging,which contends that elderly people who remain active will be best-adjusted. 
B) conflict theory of aging,which argues that society and the aging individual mutually sever many of their relationships. 
C) functionalist theory of aging,which argues that society and the aging individual mutually sever many of their relationships. 
D) interactionist theory of aging,which argues that elderly people who remain active will be best-adjusted.

Question 20

Conflict theorists have suggested that the transition from agricultural economies to industrialization and capitalism has always been beneficial for the elderly.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 36: Aging and Society

Define disengagement theory and discuss the controversy surrounding its implications.

Disengagement theory is a

Which sociologists were responsible for developing the disengagement theory?

The elderly exhibit traits of a minority group,including the fact that

Activity theory would imply that older married people have a higher risk of dying than those who live alone.

The functionalist perspective maintains that

A salesperson in his mid sixties is told by his peers,his family,and his boss that it is about time to retire and reap the fruits of his longtime career and his well-endowed pension fund.He eventually gives in to their persistent pressure.This is consistent with

According to which theoretical perspective is old age a time when people are victimized and their social roles devalued?

Which of the following is correct regarding age?

Unlike race or gender,age is not socially constructed.

According to which theoretical perspective do social roles remain relatively unchanged as people age?

Gerontology is

Which sociological approach would most likely view old age as a "master status" that has consequences for how the elderly are treated in the United States?

What age do people have to be in order for writers to commonly refer to them as "young old"?

In analyzing the elderly as a minority,one crucial difference between older people and other subordinate groups is that

The elderly are categorized as a subordinate group or minority because

Which sociological perspective criticizes both disengagement theory and activity theory for failing to consider the impact of social structure on patterns of aging?

Activity theory is a(an)

Conflict theorists have suggested that the transition from agricultural economies to industrialization and capitalism has always been beneficial for the elderly.

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