Chapter 6- Social Structures & Inequality

Question 1

Define age structures (2)

Answer 1

• Socially structured relations among individuals that affect the lives of people as they age
• Class and age intersect, advantages in earlier life increase access to opportunities when older

Question 2

How are gender and age related? (3)

Answer 2

• Gendered social process occur throughout life course
• Gender inequalities are most visible among older women
• Females play different social roles, receive different wards, and experience different realities (lower income, caregiving, more poverty)

Question 3

Describe the the three concepts of age structure. (3)

Answer 3

• Cohort: everyone born in a specific period
• Generation: unique grouping of adjacent birth cohorts who experienced socio-historical events and behave in a similar way
• Generational unit: unique subgroups in a generation

Question 4

Explain the three interrelated social process influenced by age structure. (3)

Answer 4

• Cohort analysis: quantitative or qualitative mehtods to study characteristics or meanings associated with a birth cohort to study social change and stability
• Generational analysis: comparison of specific cohorts that comprise on basis of socio-historical experiences to understand how social order is maintained or changed
• Lineage effects: similarities or differences among generations in an extended family

Question 5

Define age grading (2)

Answer 5

• Process by which age influences elements of social life

- Provides definition of expected rights, behaviour, and responsibilities at a particular age

Question 6

Has age structures become more segregated or integrated? (2)

Answer 6

• More integrated as norms and structures become less important
• Social meanings based on age vary from one culture and period to another

Question 7

Describe structural lag (4)

Answer 7

• Many policies and programs lag behind changing definition and needs of older adults
• Lack of retirement
• Few employment options
• Little social support for those who care for or help their aging parents

Question 8

Describe cohort and generational effects (2)

Answer 8

• Can introduce social change

- When older people perceive ageism and discrimination, they seek to change status quo

Question 9

Explain generation gaps (2)

Answer 9

• Inter-generational strain could lead to generation gaps, inequities, or change
• Exists at family level (lineage gaps), and societal level (societal gaps)

Question 10

Describe intergenerational transfers (4)

Answer 10

• Transfers of money, property, formal services, in-kind donations
• Can occur through old to youngest, compulsory or voluntarily, those who demonstrate need, and money
• Creates a bond between generations
• Can be understood through direction, sector, content, and nature of transfer

Question 11

Explain public transfers (4)

Answer 11

• Made from the state to individuals or families
• Includes education, pension, subsidies
• Funds come from tax payers who are soon provided services
• Causes debate over inequities and burden

Question 12

Describe private transfers (2)

Answer 12

• Occurs in family

- Potential to maintain economic advantage from one generation to the next, or facilitate higher standards of living

Question 13

Describe generational equity (3)

Answer 13

• Continues to be debated in Canada
• Intergenerational social contract that assumes that generations with common expectations cooperate to ensure solidarity, support, and generational succession
• Concerned with financial burden, shifting responsibility, unemployment, and wealth distribution for younger generations