Students will participate in reading, critical thinking, paper writing, exercises, discussion on this important subject matter and paradigm of the aging experience. Participants will be invited to delve into the areas of social reality and perception that define lifespan experience and structures shaping aging on an individual and collective basis.
Sociology of aging is a course in most Sociology majors, all Aging majors, and is relevant to most professional, mission and volunteer positions. As people age, the community around them becomes more and more important in their lives. Individuals who work with, live close to, have aging relatives and /or serve older individuals in any capacity do well to participate fully in this survey, discussion and reflection course.
The course will include discussion of multiple sociological perspectives and social theories of aging. It prepares cross-national learners to understand how social context shapes lives.
Being aware of the social structure and interactions of the communities, countries and power structures enabled Abraham on down through Jesus and the disciples to communicate and interact in a way that was (mostly) beneficial to all.
In order to be missionally focused, a sociology background is important so that where ever one is and whatever one is doing, one is cognizant of the social constructs underlying the work one is doing and the interaction can be a one of true helping rather than hurting.
The sociology of aging is contextual in that each culture has its own structures, customs, mores and so forth. Each person’s aging experience is different because of this mix. The older one becomes, the less homogenous the cohort of elderly become.
There are common processes, (data points), sociological phenomenon that impact aging individuals across cultures. How each is impacted may be different, but they will have been affected by the same event.
A basic understanding of social interactions, social structures, mores, and so on, as well as the factors that influence, is paramount in working in any type of social service, or people serving profession or situation
Delving into the realm of sociology provides opportunities to understand, discuss and digest the information and concepts at an experiential level.
