Question 1

Which perspective is used most often by gerontologists?

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective examines the ways in which older adults contribute to society and the roles they play in maintaining social stability. This perspective is popular among gerontologists because it emphasizes the importance of intergenerational relationships and highlights the positive contributions that older adults make to their communities.

Question 2

What are the basic units at work in the social system as described by functionalist theories?

Accepted Answer

Social institutions are considered the basic units in functionalist theories because they focus on how these structures maintain social stability and contribute to the functioning of society as a whole.

Question 3

According to structural functionalism,social institutions adjust to one another as the system responds to internal and external pressures to maintain which of the following?

Accepted Answer

According to structural functionalism, social institutions work together to maintain a state of dynamic equilibrium. This means that the social system adjusts to internal and external pressures to maintain a balance between its various parts. This is seen as necessary for the social system to function smoothly and to ensure its survival over time. Choice B, dynamic equilibrium, best captures this idea.

Question 4

Which of the following is an assumption made by structural functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism assumes that social order is maintained by shared values and norms, and that individuals conform to these expectations because they believe in the underlying value system. This assumption is central to the concept of social integration and the stable functioning of society. A, B, and D are not assumptions made by structural functionalism.

Question 5

Weber developed the social phenomenological theory.What does Weber say the researcher needs to do in order to understand a social phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

According to Weber's social phenomenological theory, the researcher needs to understand the meaning that people in the situation attach to the events and their actions in order to truly understand a social phenomenon. This involves exploring the subjective experiences and perspectives of those involved, rather than just acquiring objective facts or developing abstract theories.

Question 6

Why is the concept of "age cohorts" important in understanding aging?

Accepted Answer

Age cohorts are important in understanding aging because people born in the same period experience the same historical events at the same time in their life cycle, which can shape their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors as they age.

Question 7

Which theory relies on structural functionalist assumptions?

Accepted Answer

Age stratification theory relies on structural functionalist assumptions, which posit that society is comprised of interdependent parts, each of which has a specific function or purpose. Age stratification theory emphasizes how age-based roles and social expectations contribute to the smooth functioning of society.

Question 8

How are social problems described in structural functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism views social problems as dysfunctions or abnormalities in the social system that should be corrected through planning and intervention. Social problems are seen as threats to the smooth functioning of society and its institutions, and therefore require attention and action to restore equilibrium.

Question 9

Which theory provides new ways to explore differences related to time,period,and cohort?

Accepted Answer

Age stratification theory provides new ways to explore differences related to time, period, and cohort. This theory suggests that within each historical period, individuals are grouped into cohorts based on their birth year, and that these cohorts experience unique socio-historical events which shape their attitudes, behaviors, and life outcomes. Therefore, age differences can be seen not only due to biological age, but also due to the historical time period and cohort to which individuals belong.

Question 10

The Elks Lodge is a Canadian club that has its foundations in social order and organization.The club's first Canadian female Exalted Ruler,Debby Ray,follows which of the following concepts in which the individual is the originator of social order and organization?

Accepted Answer

The interpretive perspective emphasizes that individuals are the originators of social order and organization through their interpretations and interactions with one another. This concept aligns with the foundation of the Elks Lodge and the leadership of its first Canadian female Exalted Ruler.

Question 11

What is the focus of age stratification theory?

Accepted Answer

Age stratification theory focuses on how different age cohorts move and interact throughout the life cycle, emphasizing the social dynamics and changes that occur as groups of people age.

Question 12

What is the term for a period of life defined by society,such as adolescence or childhood?

Accepted Answer

A social age is a period of life defined by society, such as adolescence or childhood.

Question 13

Michael J.Fox was born in the 1960s during the height of events such as the Canadian Centennial in 196 and the introduction of colour TV in Canada.Fox is a member of an age cohort.Which of the following sentences describes an age cohort?

Accepted Answer

An age cohort is a group of people born at the same time who share similar experiences, cultural references, and historical events that shape their lives and attitudes. This term is commonly used in sociology and demography to study the effects of generational differences on social and cultural trends. A cohort can be defined by a specific year, decade, or period, and can have distinctive characteristics that differentiate them from other age groups. Michael J. Fox is a member of the Baby Boomer cohort, which consists of people born between 1946 and 1964, and who experienced significant social and political changes, such as the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of technology.

Question 14

Structural functionalism sometimes draws an analogy between which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Structural functionalism draws an analogy between society and a living organism, where the different parts of society work together to maintain the overall stability and functioning of the system, just as the different organs of a body work together to maintain the organism's health.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of the dialectic between individuals and societal structures described by age stratification theory?

Accepted Answer

Age stratification theory deals with the interplay between societal structures and individuals at different stages of life. The effect of seniors' needs on senior center programs (a societal structure) and how these programs, in turn, influence attitudes toward old age (individual attitudes) is a clear example of this dialectic.

Question 16

What is the dialectic between individuals and societal structures as described by age stratification theory?

Accepted Answer

Age stratification theory suggests that changes in societal values and structures influence the aging process, and vice versa, creating a dynamic interaction between individuals and societal structures.

Question 17

Which of the following does age stratification offer as an explanation of why society changes as people age?

Accepted Answer

Age stratification theory suggests that each cohort learns different norms and behaviors based on the historical and social context of their youth. As these cohorts age and move into positions of power and influence, they shape society based on their learned experiences and beliefs, leading to changes in social norms and roles.

Question 18

Which of the following is a problem with the interpretive perspective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is a problem...

Question 19

The text compares movement of age cohorts through the life cycle to movement on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The text compares movement of age cohorts through the life cycle to movement on an escalator. Age cohorts move together through life stages, similar to individuals moving up or down together on an escalator.

Question 20

Which of the following terms describes the theories within the interpretive perspective?

Accepted Answer

Social constructionism is the term used to describe the theories within the interpretive perspective. Social constructionism suggests that individuals construct their own understanding of reality through their experiences and interactions with society and culture. It emphasizes the importance of language, communication, and cultural context in shaping our perceptions of the world. The other choices (A, B, and D) are not commonly used terms within the interpretive perspective.

Quiz 2: Theories and Methods