Introduction
Older people are affected by different social structures (SSs), among which closer attention should be paid to social stratification (ST) and social institutions (SIs). Focusing on how society is organized is relevant to studying the aging population, as various aspects of society can impact the lives of older people. SS influences the choices and experiences of the older population by imposing certain expectations and creating both restrictions and opportunities.
Social Structures
SS can affect the elderly in positive and negative ways. The term SS refers to how society is organized, including aspects such as wealth and power distribution, culture, social roles, and distinct systems (Funk, 2016). SSs such as STs and SIs can shape the lives of older individuals (Funk, 2016; Wister, 2019).
Social Stratification
ST is the differential ranking of people based on attributes such as gender, age, race, class, and other characteristics. ST can influence older people by suggesting that some people have better prospects than others. For example, when associated with social class, ST distinguishes in transition to widowhood for senior women, making it harder for those with a perceived lower status.
Social Institutions
On the other hand, SIs refer to such components of society as religion, family, and mass media, alongside economic, political, and educational systems. SIs can affect aging through, for instance, relationships with relatives, like being supported by one’s children or having to raise grandchildren, and being able to access proper healthcare (Wister, 2019). Therefore, SS can affect aging in both positive and negative ways.
Conclusion
To summarize, SS influences aging individuals’ experiences and choices through expectations, opportunities, and limitations. ST can enhance or diminish the lives of older people, depending, for instance, on their social class. SIs can also offer better or worse prospects for the older population by, for example, requiring some to raise their grandchildren while providing family support to others. Accordingly, the implications of explaining age-related issues by looking at SSs are enhanced insights into society’s functioning and the lives of aging people.
References
Funk, L. (2016). Sociological perspectives on aging. Oxford University Press.
Wister, A. V. (2019). Aging as a social process: Canada and beyond (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.