AGE IDENTITIES

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AGE IDENTITIES

Why is age a dimension of identity and disadvantage?

Age categorisation is found in all aspects of life in the UK

Age can be considered chronologically and refer to actual age in years which bring certain status and roles

Alternatively age can be considered in life stages that individuals go through.

Youth; 12-24

dangerous

chavs

violent

gangs

hoodies

low pay

exploited

education

active

pressured

Middle Age; -65

cars- material goods

children

holidays

marriage

high-status

Old age; 66+

frail

illness

sleepy

retirement

SOCIALISATION INTO AGE IDENTITIES

FAMILY- The family is important for how we identify different age groups.If a child is socialised into thinking a 60 year old grandparent is old they are likely to consider this a norm.

GARDNER- Although parents and teenagers spend quality time together parents are more concerned about rules to what children are exposed to,they react by closely monitoring children.

FUREDI argues parents concerns are over-exaggerated.

MEDIA;

THORNTON- The media are responsible for creating youth cultures.They use music & advertising to create a clear 'style' for youths to follow.Mods & Rockers were first subcultures due to cross differences,the fact that young adults had disposable income to spend on their lifestyle choices.Young adults were working but still living with parents.

COHEN- Moral panics are created by the media and they teach young people how to behave and fit into a subculture.It can become a master status i.e. Hoodies- DR.FAWBERT.

GRIFFIN- Youth are shown as a social problem.They are shown as dysfunctional,deficient(lacking education) and deviant.Therefore government policies are aimed at controlling young people.This includes extending education and having policies on not knowing groups of youths to congregate.

PEER GROUPS;

Most studies show that the norms,values and culture of young people is taught through the peer group.Peer pressure influences young people both negatively and positively.

SHAIN studied Asian girls and how they develop in secondary schools.Girl gangs are anti-school,work hard and see education as a means of improvement,they still conformed to expectations of Asian girls.The Repers- who described their parents view as backwards.They formed friendships with white girls & rebelled against their parental culture.

HEALTH- Friendship networks are becoming increasingly important especially in young adulthood.Young people often move in and out of households at this stage based on their friendship groups.Examples include,living in shared accommodation at university.COTE agrees friendship groups become more important than family as a source of knowledge about how to live life.

EDUCATION

SHAIN- see peer group

SEWELL- found that African-Caribbean boys formed their youth identity in school.They either became rebels or retreatists.Both of these are identities that are resistant to the wider school and teachers.

PAUL WILLIS- learning labour

OLD AGE

What do we mean by ageism?

JOHNSON & BYTHEWAY suggests ageism has three elements;

Ageism is often institutionalised.It is embedded in organisational and legal practices.Eg. not going Jury Service after the age of 70.

Ageism is expressed through stereotypical prejudice.Eg. old people cannot do certain tasks

Ageism can involve the well meaning thought that older people are vulnerable and in need of care.

Is old age a meaningless concept?

NO

VICTOR(2005)- Old age is a homogenous category and is associated with a number of cultural characteristics,such as dependency,loneliness,poor health and inability to learn.They are often seen as a 'problem' for society,and no longer being productive and contributing to society- they are seen as a drain on society and on their families.

How elderly are a problem?

pensions

drain on the NHS

YES

1) Old age no longer refers to a distinct group of people- it is unclear where the boundaries starts(i.e. 60 or 65) and people are living longer and so the term 'old age' refers to an increasing number of people ranging from 60+ to mid 80s and beyond.

2) Therefore 'old age; now tends to be divided into categories,according to MCKINGSLEY(2001).He puts those over 85 into the 'oldest old' category which suggests a 'young elderly' category for those just retired.'Old age' consists of a varied group of people and so to put them all together in one category is not helpful and underestimates the important roles undertaken by many of them.'Old age' should not be seen as a homogenous category.

3) 'Old age' can also be seen to be meaningless as many 'young elderly' live very active lives(active ageing),undertaking roles like childminding for grandchildren,manning voluntary agencies as well as a range of hobbies and interests.Far from being 'elderly' and in need of care these people play a positive and valuable role in society.

CLARKE & WARREN(2007)- Found that many of their respondents approached old age in an active and engaging way.Old age provided new opportunities,a time for reflection and the prospect of spending time with family members.

EVALUATION;

LASLETT- challenged the use of age categories as he felt they limited people.He suggested;

First age is a period of socialisation

Second age is a phase of work and childrearing

Third age is a time of independence

The third age is where an individual can fulfil all their personal aims,life plans and ambitions.The person has no ties or responsibilities.However it will be affected by wealth and health.

YOUTH

IS YOUTH A MEANINGLESS CONCEPT?

ARGUMENTS FOR;

Youth culture is a media creation.Started in the 1950s because of increased media.School leaving age meant that teenagers were in school longer which created youth cultures.Teenagers with part time jobs meant they had disposable income to spend on trends.

Most youths are conformist,conservative and share their parents values.DAVIS claimed most youths get on well with their parents.This goes against the stereotypes of youth that are widely portrayed by the media.

Young people are not a united,easily identifiable social group as they differ according to class,gender and ethnicity.Some groups of youths resist the norms and form subcultures.Subcultures are based on behaviours,values,music and fashion.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST;

Youth is a time when all young people are part of the same youth culture.It is defined as a "period of growing up,rebelling and having fun".Youth is a time for experimenting with fashion and shopping at the 'Supermarket of style'- POLEMUS(POST MODERNIST).Link in hybrid culture.

Youth is a transitional stage,a bridge from childhood to adulthood- PARSONS(FUNCTIONALIST).Rites of passage for youths.This is a universal phenomena.

Youth is a biological stage swell as a social stage.All youths go through puberty and physical changes.

AGE IDENTITIES

Old age and Youth