This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Cain, L. D Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Alternative Perspectives on the Phenomena of Human Aging: Age Stratification and Age Status

Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, Oregon 97207

This article discusses the shift by social scientists from an age status to an age stratification perspective on human aging. The history and major proponents of the age stratification model are discussed, and its widespread adoption attributed to its highlighting the variable of age and to the rise of conflict theory, bureaucracy, and the theorized diminished importance of the family. The author considers the model inaccurate because it conflates age stratification with class stratification and treats the life course as a vertical hierarchy rather than a horizontal progression. He further finds that social policies based on age stratification theory may inadequately provide for vulnerable or disadvantaged children or elderly persons and advocates that, instead of seeking standardized treatment among age groups, social policies instead promote fairness and equity.

The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, Vol. 23, No. 2, 277-294 (1987)
DOI: 10.1177/0021886387232011


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?