Question 1

Critics of functionalist theories of aging argue that these theories:

Accepted Answer

Critics argue that functionalist theories place more emphasis on the need for the elderly to adjust to existing conditions rather than participating in changing them. This is seen as a limitation because it fails to account for the agency of the elderly to influence and shape their social environment.

Question 2

According to conflict theorists,which of the following among the elderly tend to fare the worst?

Accepted Answer

Conflict theorists argue that ethnic minorities tend to fare the worst among the elderly because they experience multiple forms of disadvantage and discrimination, including in areas such as access to healthcare, economic opportunities, and social support networks. This can result in higher rates of poverty, poorer health outcomes, and lower overall quality of life compared to other demographic groups.

Question 3

Which stage of personal and sexual development is unique to modern societies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which stage of personal and sexual development...

Question 4

In modern societies,death is most commonly associated with old age,but a few hundred years ago,death was most commonly associated with:

Accepted Answer

A few hundred years ago, infant mortality rate was much higher than it is today. Therefore, death was most commonly associated with infancy.

Question 5

Which theories of aging point to social institutions that favor those who have the most economic power as the source of many of the problems of aging?

Accepted Answer

Social conflict theories suggest that social institutions, including economic institutions, create and perpetuate inequalities based on social class, with those in positions of power benefiting at the expense of others. In relation to aging, this theory suggests that those who have economic power are more able to access resources necessary for successful aging, while those who do not may struggle with financial insecurity and poorer health outcomes.

Question 6

Which of the following groups is most likely to live past age sixty-five in U.S.society?

Accepted Answer

White Americans have a longer life expectancy compared to black Americans. This gap in life expectancy is largely due to disparities in access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and discrimination. Foreign-born people may also have a longer life expectancy due to cultural factors, lower rates of chronic diseases, and healthier lifestyles. However, this can vary depending on the country of origin and individual circumstances. There is no evidence to suggest that being born in a single-parent household affects life expectancy.

Question 7

According to your textbook,which of the following is a reason that the meaning of the term aging is changing today?

Accepted Answer

The text states that "advances in nutrition and health have enabled people to live longer," which is a reason why the meaning of aging is changing today. Therefore, option D is the correct choice. Options A, B, and C are all incorrect because they do not align with what the text says and are not reasons why the meaning of aging is changing today.

Question 8

Which stage of the life course is currently seeing the greatest growth in the number of people and is therefore of great interest to policy makers?

Accepted Answer

The stage of older adults is currently seeing the greatest growth in the number of people, as populations in developed countries age due to increased life expectancy and declining fertility rates. This demographic shift poses challenges and opportunities for policy makers in areas such as healthcare, social welfare, and pensions.

Question 9

Which stage of the human life course became a clear and distinct stage only in modern societies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which stage of the human life course...

Question 10

Among the elderly,which group is most likely to be independent,healthy,and actively engaged?

Accepted Answer

The young-old, who are aged between 65-74 years, are the most likely to be independent, healthy and actively engaged as they are still relatively young and have not yet experienced the decline in physical and mental health that is seen in the older age groups. They are also likely to have better access to healthcare, social support and resources that can help maintain their independence and well-being. The old-old, middle-old, and oldest old are more likely to experience health issues and dependence on others for support.

Question 11

The discipline concerned with the study of the social aspects of aging is known as:

Accepted Answer

Social gerontology is the specific discipline that focuses on the study of social aspects related to aging, including topics such as retirement, caregiving, intergenerational relationships, and age discrimination. Social chronology, age studies, and elder studies may all be related fields, but they do not specifically focus on the social aspects of aging.

Question 12

Which of the following best summarizes how disengagement theory views the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Disengagement theory suggests that as people age, they naturally withdraw from social roles and responsibilities, allowing younger individuals to take over those roles.

Question 13

According to activity theory,both the elderly and society can benefit:

Accepted Answer

According to activity theory, the elderly should remain actively engaged in work and other social roles as long as they can. This benefits both the elderly individuals themselves, as they continue to have a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and society as a whole, as they contribute to the economy and the community. Retiring from work and social activity or limiting oneself to only physical or only social activity can lead to social isolation and decreased quality of life.

Question 14

What percentage of the elderly in the United States is foreign born?

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2018, 12 percent of people aged 65 and over in the United States were foreign-born.

Question 15

According to the textbook,at a very young age,children are socialized into gender based on a number of factors,including:

Accepted Answer

Children are socialized into gender roles through societal and cultural influences, such as the different ways men and women interact with and handle children, rather than biological factors like brain chemistry or genetics.

Question 16

Pointing to medieval paintings in which children were portrayed with mature faces and participating in the same work and play activities as adults,French historian Philippe Ariès made the argument that:

Accepted Answer

Philippe Ariès argued that childhood did not exist in medieval times and that children were seen as miniature adults participating in the same work and play activities as adults. He pointed to medieval paintings as evidence of this.

Question 17

According to 1950s functionalist theorist Talcott Parsons,failure to find adequate roles for the elderly in U.S.society will cause them to:

Accepted Answer

According to Talcott Parsons, if the elderly do not have adequate roles in society, they will become alienated from society. This is because the functionalist perspective emphasizes on the importance of social integration and the contribution of each member to the stability of society. Therefore, the lack of roles for the elderly could lead to their exclusion and marginalization from society, resulting in feelings of alienation. The other options, organizing social movements, retiring to other countries, or moving in with adult children, are not mentioned in Parsons' theory.

Question 18

Sociologists refer to "the biological,psychological,and social processes that affect people as they grow older" as:

Accepted Answer

Aging refers to the biological, psychological, and social changes that occur as people grow older. Dying only pertains to the end of life, while socialization and social growth refer specifically to the ways in which individuals learn and develop within their social environments, but not necessarily related to aging.

Question 19

What age-grade had the highest status in traditional cultures but often lacks authority within the family and community in industrialized societies?

Accepted Answer

In traditional cultures, elders were highly respected and held the highest status due to their wisdom and life experience. However, in industrialized societies, youth and young adults often hold more authority and power, while elders may lack respect and influence within families and communities.

Question 20

According to the textbook,gender differences are the result of:

Accepted Answer

The textbook suggests that gender differences are primarily the result of social influences, such as cultural expectations and societal norms. Although biological and genetic factors may play a role, they are not the primary cause of gender differences. Similarly, brain chemistry may contribute to some gender differences, but it is not the sole cause.

Quiz 3: Socialization, the Life Course, and Aging