De theoretische sociologie van bejaarden en ouderdom. Enkele problemen en mogelijkheden

Samenvatting

6 theoretical themes of soc gerontology are treated. There exists a good deal of disdain for res in this field because of the uselessness of local applied res for sociol. (1) The aging process is just as important a subject of study as the aged. The aged are not a sociol'al group. Is there a growing group consciousness among them? 6 diff interpretations of being soc'ly old are given & discussed. (2) The soc roles of the aged are analyzed in relation to former cultural periods & former stages in the individual's life. More res is needed on the qualitative aspects of roles. (3) The typology of the aged is a borderline field between sociol & psychol. The central theme is adjustment. Not enough is known about the personality & developmental psychol of the aged. The continuity aspect of an individual's life is often forgotten. (4) The activity- & disengagement-theories are known, but when is what model applicable? The aged of here & now are a specific phenomenon, not necessarily a general one. (5) The aged carry an image, are being stereotyped, possibly discriminated against or segregated. Do they stereotype the younger generations? The image discussed is based on former generations of the aged. (6) The analysis of the relationship of the aged with their children should benefit more from the findings of fam sociol; the study of their relationship with others should not be confined to the geographical area around them. AA.