5. Applying material from item A and your own knowledge, evaluate the view that the
position of the old in today’s society is changing for the better (20)
The position of the old in postmodern society differs greatly from in modern society. In
modernity, there were fixed life stages which excluded the old from paid work once
they reached the compulsory retirement age, structured dependency encouraged
ageism across the elderly which increased loneliness and depression across those over
65. In comparison, postmodernity sees blurred boundaries between adulthood and old
age, where people are free to define their own identity regardless of the societal
expectations that are placed upon people once they reach old age. This blurred line is
having a positive effect on the dependency ratio by decreasing the burden on the
working age group, and is also improving the public opinion on the elderly, decreasing
prejudice and discrimination. Therefore implying that the position of the elderly is
changing for the better, however it is clear that many old people are still disadvantaged
in today’s society in areas such as class and gender inequalities regarding finance and
ageism, which must be considered when determining the quality of their position today.
One important change that is occurring in society is the blurring of boundaries between
the previous distinct life stages in modern society. Postmodern sociologist Hunt argues
that our age no longer defines who we are or how we live; this is a result of the
prioritising of consumption rather than our role in production in our identities. He
argues that we now define ourselves by what we consume. In contrast, many
sociologists argue that in modern society, our status is determined by our role in
production. Since there is a retirement age, this largely excludes the elderly from paid
work, leaving them financially dependent on their family or the state, giving them a
dependent status and an often stigmatised identity. Phillipson argues from a Marxist
perspective that the old are of no use to capitalism due to them being no longer
productive. However, as the ageing population increases, the retirement age is being
pushed further forward as more older people are engaging in paid work post 65. There
is no longer a barrier preventing people from working and being productive past a
certain age, which is positively influencing the lives of the old as they gain more
freedom.
The dependency ratio is being impacted greatly from the changing position of the
elderly. In 2015, there were 3.2 people of working age for every one pensioner, this
ratio is predicted to fall to 2.8 to one by 2033. This however, is not necessarily due to
the old being economically dependent as it is clear that more and more elders are
engaging in paid work. It is primarily due to the ageing population where the death rate
is declining and life expectancy rising. This is also supported by the fact that the age at
which people can claim their state pension is rising to 66 in 2020. This could have a
positive impact on the elderly as they are no longer dependent on their families and can
live a self-sufficient life for longer, without experiencing the guilt of being a burden on
families or the working class.
The media is having a positive influence on the lives of old people in the breaking down
of ageist stereotypes. Media images now portray the positive aspects of the lifestyles of
the elderly, as well as playing a huge part in advertising rejuvenation products and
encouraging an active lifestyle. Gym memberships are now available at discounted
prices for the elderly, cosmetic surgery is now available as well as anti-ageism products
position of the old in today’s society is changing for the better (20)
The position of the old in postmodern society differs greatly from in modern society. In
modernity, there were fixed life stages which excluded the old from paid work once
they reached the compulsory retirement age, structured dependency encouraged
ageism across the elderly which increased loneliness and depression across those over
65. In comparison, postmodernity sees blurred boundaries between adulthood and old
age, where people are free to define their own identity regardless of the societal
expectations that are placed upon people once they reach old age. This blurred line is
having a positive effect on the dependency ratio by decreasing the burden on the
working age group, and is also improving the public opinion on the elderly, decreasing
prejudice and discrimination. Therefore implying that the position of the elderly is
changing for the better, however it is clear that many old people are still disadvantaged
in today’s society in areas such as class and gender inequalities regarding finance and
ageism, which must be considered when determining the quality of their position today.
One important change that is occurring in society is the blurring of boundaries between
the previous distinct life stages in modern society. Postmodern sociologist Hunt argues
that our age no longer defines who we are or how we live; this is a result of the
prioritising of consumption rather than our role in production in our identities. He
argues that we now define ourselves by what we consume. In contrast, many
sociologists argue that in modern society, our status is determined by our role in
production. Since there is a retirement age, this largely excludes the elderly from paid
work, leaving them financially dependent on their family or the state, giving them a
dependent status and an often stigmatised identity. Phillipson argues from a Marxist
perspective that the old are of no use to capitalism due to them being no longer
productive. However, as the ageing population increases, the retirement age is being
pushed further forward as more older people are engaging in paid work post 65. There
is no longer a barrier preventing people from working and being productive past a
certain age, which is positively influencing the lives of the old as they gain more
freedom.
The dependency ratio is being impacted greatly from the changing position of the
elderly. In 2015, there were 3.2 people of working age for every one pensioner, this
ratio is predicted to fall to 2.8 to one by 2033. This however, is not necessarily due to
the old being economically dependent as it is clear that more and more elders are
engaging in paid work. It is primarily due to the ageing population where the death rate
is declining and life expectancy rising. This is also supported by the fact that the age at
which people can claim their state pension is rising to 66 in 2020. This could have a
positive impact on the elderly as they are no longer dependent on their families and can
live a self-sufficient life for longer, without experiencing the guilt of being a burden on
families or the working class.
The media is having a positive influence on the lives of old people in the breaking down
of ageist stereotypes. Media images now portray the positive aspects of the lifestyles of
the elderly, as well as playing a huge part in advertising rejuvenation products and
encouraging an active lifestyle. Gym memberships are now available at discounted
prices for the elderly, cosmetic surgery is now available as well as anti-ageism products
