The Core Tenets of Conflict Theory and Aging
Rooted in the work of Karl Marx, conflict theory views society as a competition for limited resources. Applied to aging, this perspective examines the power struggles and inequalities that exist between different age groups, or cohorts. Rather than seeing society as a cohesive unit, conflict theorists focus on the inherent instability and tension caused by competing interests. This framework emphasizes how social institutions, particularly capitalism, can disadvantage and marginalize older adults.
Ageism and the Devaluation of the Elderly
One central tenet of the conflict theory of aging is its focus on ageism, defined as negative views, prejudice, and discrimination against the elderly. In a capitalist system that values productivity and economic contribution, older adults are often devalued because they are perceived as less economically productive. This can lead to a decline in their social status and opportunities. Older workers, for example, may be seen as a financial burden due to their higher salaries and healthcare costs, which can drive down corporate profits.
Resource Competition Among Age Cohorts
Conflict theory highlights the competition for scarce resources as a key source of age-based inequality. This competition can manifest in various ways:
- Jobs and Employment: Younger workers may compete with older, more experienced individuals for jobs, especially during economic downturns. This can lead to older workers being pushed out of the workforce or struggling to find new employment.
- Public Funds: Resources like Social Security and Medicare are points of contention, with debates over their cost often framing the elderly as a burden on the working-age population.
- Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare can become a source of conflict, as different generations and socioeconomic groups vie for limited medical resources. The high medical bills of the elderly are often a point of concern in these debates.
Age Stratification and Its Consequences
Conflict theorists were among the first to suggest that society is stratified by age, much like it is by race, class, and gender. This age stratification creates a hierarchy where certain age cohorts have more power and resources than others. The consequences for older adults can be severe:
- Reduced Social Status: As they lose their economic power and social roles, older people often experience a reduction in social status.
- Limited Access to Resources: Age can limit access to social resources like political and economic power, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
- Social Control: Age-based norms can dictate appropriate behavior for different age groups. For example, cultural norms may deny the sexuality of older females, and dressing in a certain way could be seen as deviant behavior.
Comparing Sociological Perspectives on Aging
| Feature | Conflict Theory | Functionalism | Symbolic Interactionism |
|---|---|---|---|
| View of Society | Unstable; defined by power struggles and resource competition. | Stable; different parts (including the elderly) work together for harmony. | Defined by day-to-day interactions and interpretations of meaning. |
| Aging Focus | Inequalities, power imbalances, and competition for resources. | Roles and functions of elders, and how disengagement or activity impacts social equilibrium. | How individuals construct their identity and meaning through interactions as they age. |
| Key Concepts | Ageism, social stratification, resource competition. | Disengagement Theory, Activity Theory, Continuity Theory. | Gerotranscendence, selective optimization with compensation. |
| Elders' Role | Marginalized group competing with others for resources. | Either withdraw (disengagement) or remain engaged (activity) to serve a social function. | Actively define their own reality and adapt to aging through personal interactions. |
Intersectionality in the Aging Experience
Conflict theory recognizes that age does not exist in a vacuum. It interacts with other forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, and social class. This concept of intersectionality means that an older person's experience with ageism and marginalization is significantly shaped by their position within these other social hierarchies. An older white male, for example, may have had historical access to power that an older woman or person of color did not. Therefore, the inequalities faced by the aged are not uniform but differ dramatically based on their intersecting identities.
Limitations and Criticisms of Conflict Theory
While providing valuable insights, conflict theory is not without its limitations. Some critics argue it over-emphasizes the role of economic factors, potentially overlooking the importance of non-material assets such as love and friendship. The theory is also sometimes criticized for placing too much blame on modern, capitalist economies for ageism, when negative views of the elderly have been observed in various types of societies. It may also afford too much emphasis to the calculating nature of individuals in social exchange, potentially devaluing genuine relationships. For additional perspectives on this topic, consult the resources at Howard Community College.
Addressing Age-Based Conflict
From a conflict theory perspective, mitigating age-based inequality requires addressing underlying power imbalances and resource disparities. This can involve advocating for policies that protect older workers, ensure robust social security and healthcare programs, and combat ageist practices in the workplace and media. Education is also key, challenging the ageist stereotypes that devalue the elderly and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the contributions older adults make to society.
Conclusion
In summary, what is the conflict theory regarding aging? It is a critical lens that reveals the power struggles, resource competition, and systemic inequalities that shape the experience of growing old. By highlighting how ageism and capitalism can marginalize the elderly, it pushes us to look beyond individual experiences and examine the larger social structures at play. While it offers a valuable, if sometimes stark, perspective on the realities of aging in society, it is an important framework for understanding and ultimately challenging the deep-seated social stratification that affects us all.
