Age Identity.

?
Define Age.
Age is the chronological process linked to an individuals biology. processes such as Menopause, puberty and teething can be used to assess the age of an individual.
1 of 13
What is age?
Age is a social construct. Society creates a sense of age through interaction.
2 of 13
What did Kaufman find?
Kaufman found that older people have developed an 'ageless self'. Despite chronological ageing, individuals do not feel that they belong to an 'older' group.
3 of 13
what did Westerhof find?
In 2003 Westerhof asked 74 year olds the age they wished they were. Germans wanted to be 8 years younger whereas, Americans wanted to be 11 years younger.
4 of 13
How do the historical and modern views on age differ?
Historically age was valued by the British society. Age was seen as wise and needed to be respected whereas now we see age negatively. Modern society portrays anything but being 'young' as wrong.
5 of 13
What did Philippe Aries argue?
Aries (1960) argued that in the Middle Ages childhood didn't exist. Children were not seen as having a different 'nature' or needs from adults. Children began work at an early age and had the same rights & duties as adults.
6 of 13
Answer extended...
Due to children constantly socialising with adults, they would eventually take on an adult identity. This is social construction.
7 of 13
What would Kath Woodward argue?
Woodward would argue that we our age identity is created and maintained through social interaction.
8 of 13
How would Woodward argue age identity is created and maintained?
We catergorise ourselves into an age group based on how we feel. We then compare ourselves with others and change how old we look or act by using products to make us look/feel younger.
9 of 13
What would Woodward argue about age identity being influenced by society.
She would argue that our identity is influenced by how others see us. eg. A older man's identity may be structurally constraint by others if they do not see him as being younger even if he acts younger, forcing him to act older and his 'age'
10 of 13
What did Punch find in 2001?
Punch found that children in Bolivia were expected to take responsibilities in the community from age 5 .
11 of 13
What did Holmes find?
Holmes found that in a .......... village 'too young' was never an excuse for not undertaking a task if a child thinks they can do a task their parents wont restrict them. Also less valued places on obedience so children are more independent.
12 of 13
Is the Perception of age different according to culture?
Yes, it is as see in through the perception of age in the UK. It is not common for children to be working at the age of 5 where as in other cultures it is common an accepted.
13 of 13

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is age?

Back

Age is a social construct. Society creates a sense of age through interaction.

Card 3

Front

What did Kaufman find?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

what did Westerhof find?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

How do the historical and modern views on age differ?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Sociology resources:

See all Sociology resources »See all Culture and Socialisation resources »