L A K E H E A D U N I V E R S I T Y



L A K E H E A D U N I V E R S I T Y

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

Sociology 3513 WA

Sociology of Aging

Winter 2005

Walid Chahal

Office: Ryan Building, RB 2016

346-7885 or wchahal@lakeheadu.ca

Office Hours: Thursdays,

1:00-2:00 pm, or by appointment

Required Text:

McPherson, B. (2004). Aging as a Social Process: Canadian Perspectives (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Course Focus:

In this course, we will present a thorough and critical evaluation of current issues on social aging. We will examine the dynamic interaction between the aging process and the social structural (including the complex interplay of race, class, and gender), social-psychological, cross-cultural and historical factors. We will also draw on a variety of theoretical perspectives and research on aging and the elderly.

TENTATIVE OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS

(Additional readings may be assigned throughout the term)

|Topic 1: Why Study Aging and the Elderly? | |

|The Social Construction of Old Age & |McPherson, Chapters 1; |

|Race, Class& Gender. | |

|- Attitudes Toward Old Age |Binstock, Robert H. (2001). “Declaration of the Rights of Older Persons”,|

|- Myths & realities of Aging |The Gerontologist, 42(2), 152-3. |

|- Aging & Human Rights | |

|Topic 2: Historical & Social Contexts of Aging: |McPherson, Chapter 2 |

|Inter-Ethnic/Racial, Religious, & Linguistic | |

|Variations | |

|Topic 3: Individual Aging, Social Relations |McPherson, Chapter 3; |

|& Interactions |J. Kennedy & M. Minkler, (Chapter 5, pp: 91-108): “Disability Theory & |

|- Disability & Aging |Public Policy: Implications for Critical Gerontology,” In Minkler, M. & |

| |Estes, C. L. (eds.) (1998). Critical Gerontology: Perspectives from |

| |Political and Moral economy. [RESERVE] |

| | |

|Topic 4: Population Aging in the Context of Canada & |McPherson, Chapter 4 |

|the Globe | |

|Topic 5: Understanding older People & Aging Processes: |McPherson, Chapter 5: |

|Theories and Methods |Estes, (Chapter 1, pp: 1-18): “Political Economy of Aging.” In Estes, C. |

|- Critical perspectives on Aging |L. & Associates (2001). Social Policy & Aging: A Critical Perspective. |

| |[RESERVE] |

| | |

|Topic 6: Hierarchical Structures of Power, Inequity & |McPherson, Chapter 6; |

|Aging |P. Dressel, M. I. Yen, Chapter 15 (pp:275-294): “Gender, Race, Class & |

|- Gender, Race, Class & Aging |Aging: Advancing Opportunities,” In Minkler, M. & Estes, C. L. (eds.) |

| |(1998). Critical Gerontology: Perspectives from Political and Moral |

| |Economy. [RESERVE] |

| | |

|Topic 7: Housing, Living Arrangements and Security |McPherson, Chapter 7 |

|Topic 8: Family ties, Relationships & Social |McPherson, Chapter 8 |

|Transitions | |

|Topic 9: Work, Retirement, and Economic |McPherson, Chapter 9; |

|Security |Townson, M. (2000). “Reducing Poverty Among Older Women: The Potential of|

|- “Reducing Poverty Among Older Women” |Retirement Incomes Policies”, Canada Status of Women Policy Research. |

| |Ottawa: Canada Communications Groups (check at least her executive |

| |summary): |

| | |

|Topic 10: Social Networks & Social Participation in |McPherson, Chapter 10 |

|Later Life | |

|Topic 11: Social support & Public Policy for an Aging | |

|Population |McPherson, Chapter 11; |

|- Informal Care & Aboriginal elderly |Buchignani, N., and C. Armstrong-Esther. (1999). ‘Informal care & Older |

| |Native Canadians”, Ageing & Society, 19(1), 3-32. [RESERVE] |

|Topic 12: The Physical and Mental Health in Later Life|McPherson, Chapter 12; |

|- The social Construction of Aging & Health Care |P. G. Clark, (Chapter 8, pp: 147-167): “Moral Economy & the Construction|

| |of the Crisis of Aging & Health Care; Differing Canadian & the U.S. |

| |Perspectives.” In Minkler, M. & Estes, C. L. (eds.) (1998). Critical |

| |Gerontology: Perspectives from Political and Moral Economy. [RESERVE] |

Course Requirements

1. One Written Assignment ............................................................................. 30%

Every student chooses 3 articles on the topic of aging from specific social science journals or books, or select internet sites, and sums up and critiques these articles by relying on analyses covered in class and in the reading.

The assignment should be no more than 10 typed pages in length and be submitted (along with the articles) no later than February 24th .

2. In-Class Test (March 24th )....................................................……35%

The test consists of short-answer and essay questions & may include multiple-choice

questions. The test covers all class work, lecture and reading material to date.

It is not the instructor’s aim to reproduce the same material that is covered in the text.

The lecture material and discussions will complement, expand, and shed more light

on those issues that are covered in the text.

3. Three-Part Group Work/Presentation……………………………25%

Students need to work together in groups and divide the work evenly among the members of their group for this assignment. Every group will consist of four students, and every group is required to do the following:

1. In-Class Article-Presentation

Every group will be provided with an article from a variety of sources, or will be asked to select an article on the topic of aging from specific social science journals or books. The group (two students from the group) are expected to present at least one article. The presenters should not only sum up the main argument(s)/viewpoint or idea(s) of the article, but also provide a critique of the article by making use of the concepts, theories and other material covered in class. It is important that the presenters understand their article well and effectively communicate its content to the rest of the students. The presenters should be prepared to lead the discussions and answer questions regarding their topic. They may use overheads or any other prop that will improve their presentation.

2. Short Film

In addition to the article, students may chose to include a short film, or parts of a film (up to 10 minutes) in order to facilitate understanding of a particular part of their topic..  Make sure you let me know ahead of time if you need a VCR, TV, projector, overhead, etc.

3. Field Trips--Community Involvement/Observation (to be incorporated in the presentation)

This part of the group work involves one of the following tasks:

A. one or two students from the group may interview/talk (more details will be given in class regarding the types of questions to ask in the interview) with an older person (70 or over) who lives in the community on his/her own;

B. meet/converse with an elderly in an assisted living facility or nursing home;

C. interview/talk to a representative/professional of an institution or agency that provides services for the elderly such as a senior centre, nursing home, retirement community, assisted living facility, or home-health agency. The students are encouraged to make use of the theories of aging covered in class to help them make sense of the interviews/conversations. Students should report their findings to us during their presentation.

4. In-Class participation……………...................................…............10%

Class attendance is expected: In order to do well in this course, you must attend

class on a regular basis. There will be substantial in-class discussions and much of the

material covered in lectures will not be found in the reading. In order to participate in

class discussions, it is important that you do the readings before coming to class. You

must come to class ready to contribute to discussion in a thoughtful way, to ask

questions, as well as reflect on the assigned readings. Students are expected to arrive

before the class starts and are expected to stay in class till the end.  However, if you need to leave class for any reason, let me know ahead of time so that you do not lose points from your class participation. Students are strongly encouraged not to engage in private conversations during class lectures.

Note: There will be a penalty if assignments are handed in late.

Further, the students will be given additional information concerning course topics, course requirements, evaluation procedures and any other relevant material on the first day of class.

Further Readings:

Auger, Jeannette & Diane Tedford-litle. (2002). From the Inside Out: Computing Ideas of Growing Old. Halifax: Fernwood Publishing.

Buchignani, N., and C. Armstrong-Esther. (1999). ‘Informal care & Older Native Canadians”, Ageing & Society, 19(1), 3-32.

Armstrong-Esther, C. Brown, D., N. Buchignani, (1997). A Health and Social Needs Assessment of Alberta Native Seniors. Lethbridge: University of Lethbridge.

Armstrong-Esther, C. (1994). "Health and Social Needs of Native Seniors." Aboriginal Seniors' Issue: Writings in Gerontology, Ottawa, National Advisory Council on Ageing: 43.

Aronson, Jane, Cindy Thornewell and Karen Williams. (1995). “Wife Assault in Old Age: Coming out of Obscurity.” Canadian Journal on Aging, 14 (Supplement 2), 72-88.

Binstock, Robert H. (2001). “Declaration of the Rights of Older Persons”, The Gerontologist, 42(2), 152-3.

Binstock, R.H. and L. George (eds.) (2001). Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences (4th edition). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

Binstock, Robert H. (2000). "Older People and Voting Participation: Past and Future." Gerontologist 40(1), 18-31.

Birren, James E. (eds.) (1996). Encyclopaedia of Gerontology. Age, Aging, and the Aged. San Diego : Academic Press.

Birren, James E. (eds.) (2001). Handbook of the Psychology of Aging. San Diego : Academic Press.

Brotman, Shari. (1998). “The Incidence of Poverty Among Seniors in Canada: Exploring the Impact of Gender, Ethnicity and Race.” Canadian Journal on Aging, 17(2): 166-185.

Chappell, N. L. (1994). "Health Care Reform: Will it be Better or Worse for Families?", Opening Plenary Address, Annual Meetings of the Canadian Association on Gerontology, Winnipeg, October 13.

Chappell. (2003). “Correcting Cross-cultural Stereotypes: Aging in Shanghai and Canada.” Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology 18: 127-147.

Chappell, N. L. (1997). "Health Care Reform: Implications for Seniors". Journal of Aging Studies 11(3): 171-258.

Chappell, N. L. (1998). "Family Caregiving and the Workplace". Keynote Presentation at the Conference "Family Caregiving and the Workplace", sponsored by Health Canada, Vancouver, B.C., June 22.

Chappell, N. L., L. A. Strain and A. A. Blandford (1986). Aging and Health Care: A Social Perspective. Toronto: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Clarke, Laura C. Hurd. (2002). “Beauty in Later Life: Older Women’s Perceptions of Physical Attractiveness.” Canadian Journal on Aging, 21(3): 429-442.

Collings, Peter. 2001. “If You Got Everything, It’s Good Enough”: Perspectives on Successful Aging in a Canadian Inuit Community.” Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology 16: 127-155.

Connidis, I. A, (2001). Family Ties and Aging (2nd ed.). Sage Publications. In Press.

Committee for a study on improving mobility and safety for older persons. (1988). Transportation in an Aging Society: Improving mobility and safety for older persons, Vol. 1, Vol. 2. Washington, DC: Transportation Research Board, National Research Council.

Davis, R.H. & J.A. Davis. (1985). TV's Image of the Elderly: A Practical Guide for Change. Massachusetts: Lexington Books.

Goldscheider, F. (1990), "The Aging of the Gender Revolution". Research on Aging, 12: 531-545.

Elias, C., and T. Inui. (1993). “When a House is not a Home: Exploring the Meaning of Shelter Among Chronically Homeless Older Men.” The Gerontologist, 33(3), 396-402.

Estes, C. L. and K. W. Linkins (1997). "Devolution and Aging Policy: Racing to the Bottom in Long Term Care?" International Journal of Health Services. Baltimore: 27 (3), pp. 427-442.

Estes, C. L. & Associates (2001). Social Policy & Aging: A Critical Perspective. Sage: California.

Estes, C.L., L.E. Gerard, J.S. Zones, & J.H. Swan (eds.). (1984). Political Economy, Health and Aging. Boston: Little, Brown & Company.

Gee, E.M. (1990). "Demographic Change and Intergenerational Relations in Canadian families: Findings and Social Policy Implications." Canadian Public Policy, 16, 191-199.

Gifford, C. G.. (1990). Canada's Fighting Seniors. Toronto: James, Lorimar & Company Publisher.

Harwood, J., Giles, H., McCann, R. M., Cai, D., Somera, L. P., Ng, S. H., Gallois, C., & Noels, K.  (2001).  Older Adults' Trait Ratings of Three Age-Groups Around the Pacific Rim. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 16, 157-171.

Heinz, Walter R. & Victor Marshall, (ed.). (2003). Social Dynamics of the Life Course: Transitions, Institutions, and Interrelations. Hawthorne, N.Y. : Aldine de Gruyter.

Keating, N., Keefe, J. & Dobbs, B. 2001. A Good Place to Grow old? Rural communities and Support to Seniors. In D. Whitson & R. Epp (Eds.), Writing off the Rural West: Globalization, Governments, and the Transformation of Rural communities (pp. 263-277). Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta.

Keefe, J. M., C. J. Rosenthal and F. Béland (2000). "The Impact of Ethnicity on Helping Older Relatives: Findings from a Sample of Employed Canadians". Canadian Journal on Aging 19(3): 317-342.

Kerbs, John J. 2000. “The Older Prisoner: Social, Psychological and Medical Considerations.” In B.D. Dunlop and M. B. Rothman (Eds.). Elders, Crime and the Criminal Justice System: Myths, Perceptions and Reality in the 21st Century. New York: Springer, pp. 207-229.

Levin, J. & W. C. Levin. (1980). Ageism: Prejudice and Discrimination Against the Elderly. California: Wadsworth Pub. Co..

Martin-Matthews, A. (2000). "Change and Diversity in Aging Families and Intergenerational Relations". Pp. 323-360 in N. Mandell and A. Duffy (eds.), Canadian Families: Diversity, Conflict and Change, 2nd edition. Toronto: Harcourt Brace Canada.

Marshall, Victor (ed.). (1987). Aging in Canada: Social Perspectives. Ontario: Fitzhenry & Whiteside.

Marson, Elizabeth W. (2003). “The Female Aging Body Through Film." In Christopher A. Faircloth’s (Ed.) Aging Bodies: Images and Everyday Experiences. Oxford, AltaMira Press, pp. 77-102.

McLeish, John. A. B. (1983). The Challenge of Aging: Ulyssean Path to Creative Living. Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre.

Minichiello, V., Browne, U. & Kendig, H. (2000) “Perceptions and Consequences of Ageism: Views of Older People”.  Aging and Society, 20 (3): 253-278.

Minkler, M. & C. L. Estes (eds.). (1884). Readings in the Political Economy of Aging: Policy, Politics, Health & Medicine. New York: Baywood Publishing Company, Inc.

Minkler, M. & Estes, C. L. (eds.) (1998). Critical Gerontology: Perspectives from Political and Moral Economy. Amityville, NY: Baywood.

Multicultural Commission (1986), “Understanding Seniors and Culture”, Multicultural Activities Guide 3, Culture and Multiculturalism.

Myles, J. (1991). "Women, the Welfare State and Caregiving". Canadian Journal on Aging 10 (2): 82-85.

Myles, John. (1997). "Neither Rights Nor Contracts: The New Means-Testing in the U.S. Aging Policy." In

Hudson, R. B. (ed.), The Future of Age-Based Public Policy. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.

National Forum on Health (1997). Canada Health Action: Building on the Legacy. Volume One, Final Report. Ottawa: Minister of Public Works and Government Services.

National Advisory Council on Ageing (1988). A National Workshop on Ageing and Ethnicity, Ottawa, Health and Welfare Canada :17.

Neysmith, S. M.. (ed.) (1999). Critical Issues in Social Work with Elderly Persons. New York: Columbia University Press

O'Connor, D. L. (1999). "Constructing Community Care: (Re)storying support ". Pp. 71-96 in S. M. Neysmith (ed.), Critical Issues in Social Work with Elderly Persons. New York: Columbia University Press.

Novak, M. (1997). Aging and society : A Canadian perspective (3rd ed.). Scarborough, Ontario : Nelson Canada.

Olson, L.K. (1982). The Political Economy of Aging: The State, Private Power, & Social Welfare. New York: Columbia University Press.

Peterson, W.A. & J. Quandagno (eds.). (1985). Social Bonds in Later Life: Aging and Interdependence. California: Sage.

Powell, Lawrence A., Kenneth Branco, and John B. Williamson. (1996). The Senior Rights Movement: Framing the Policy Debate in America. New York: Twayne Publishers.

Pratt, Henry J. (1993). Gray Agenda: Interest Groups and Public Policy In Canada, Britain and The United States. Ann Arbor : University of Michigan Press.

Pratt, Henry J. (1976). The Gray Lobby. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Pritchard, Jacki. (1999). Elder abuse work: best practice in Britain and Canada [electronic resource]. London : Jessica Kingsley.

Quadagno, Jill. (2004). Aging and the Life Course: An Introduction to Social Gerontology. 3rd ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill. (Our Lib.: 2002 edition).

Rathbone-McEvan, Eloise & B. Havens (ed.). (1988). North American Elders: United States & Canadian Perspectives. New York: Greenwood Press.

Rosenthal, C. J. (1997). "Family Care in Canada in the Context of Social and Demographic Change". Ageing International 24 (1): 13-31.

Rosenthal, C. J. (2000). "Aging families: Have current changes and challenges been 'oversold'?" Pp. 45- 63 in E. M. Gee and G. M.. Gutman (eds.), The Overselling of Population Aging: Apocalyptic Demography, Intergenerational Challenges, and Social Policy. Toronto: Oxford University Press.

Ross, M. M., C. J. Rosenthal, and P. G. Dawson (1997). "Spousal Caregiving in the Institutional Setting: Task Performance", Canadian Journal on Aging 16(1): 51-69.

Roy, Carole (2004). The Raging Grannies: Wild Hats, Cheeky Songs, and Witty Actions for a Better World

Ryan, N.C. (1985). Rural Aging in Canada. Guelph, Ontario: Gerontology Research Centre, University of Guelph.

Salari, Sonia. (2002). “Invisible in aging research: Arab Americans, Middle Eastern immigrants, and Muslims in the United States”, The Gerontologist Washington:  Vol. 42,  Iss. 5,  p. 580-588. 

Second Report of the Standing Committee on Human Rights.(August 1988). Human Rights and Aging in Canada.

Sher, A. E. (1984). Aging in Post-Mao China: The Politics of Veneration. Boulder : Westview Press.

Townson, Monica. (2001). “Pensions Under Attack: What’s is Behind the Push to Privatize Public Pension”, Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives.

Townson, Monica. (2000). “Reducing Poverty Among Older Women: The Potential of Retirement Incomes Policies”, Canada Status of Women Policy Research. Ottawa: Canada Communications Groups. Available on Line at< >

Thornton, J.E. & E.R. Winkler (eds.). (1988). Ethics and Aging: The Right to Live, the Right to Die. Vancouver: The University of British Columbia Press,.

Van Den Hoonaard and Deborah Kestin. (2002). “Attitudes of Older Widows and Widowers in New Brunswick, Canada Towards new Partnerships.” Ageing International, 27(4): 79-92.

Walker, A. C. (1999). Managing an Ageing Workforce. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg.

Walker, A. C., & Maltby T (1997). Ageing Europe. Buckingham : Open University Press.

Walker, Alan and Naegele, G. (Eds.). (1999). The Politics of Old Age in Europe. Buckingham, PA: Open University Press.

Gerontological Journals

Abstracts in Social Gerontology

Aging & Society

Canadian Journal of Policy Research◊

Canadian Journal of Public Health*

Canadian Journal on Aging◊

Canadian Population Studies

Canadian Public Policy*

Canadian Social Trends◊

Contemporary Long Term Care

Ethics, Law and Aging Review

Health Reports*

International Journal of Aging and Human Development*

International Journal Of Health

International Journal of Technology and Aging

Journal of Aging and Health*

Journal of Aging and Identity*

Journal of Aging and Social Policy*

Journal of Aging Studies*

Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology*

Journal of Educational Gerontology

Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect*

Journal of Housing for the Elderly

Journal of Women and Aging*

Research on Aging*

The Gerontologist*

The Public Policy and Aging Report

◊ available at Lakehead University

* available through Lakehead University E-journals

Internet Web Sites on Aging

OUR NATIONS' ELDERS SPEAK



About Canada - Aging and the Canadian Population [pic]



[PDF] Our Elderly Urban Natives Introduction. Today’s Native people ...



National Advisory Council on Aging



Review of Minority Aging Research at the NIA



National Resource Center on Native American Aging



Publications and Presentations



Aging in Rural Canada



MSVU | Maritime Data Centre for Aging Research



[PDF] Seniors Advisory Council



Aging in a Social Context



The Atlas of Canada - An Aging Population



[PDF] Critical Educational Gerontology and the Imperative to Empower

File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTML

Cusack, Sandra. 1999. Education & Ageing, Volume 14, Number 1,



DAS - Federal Report on Aging - Conclusion



PDF] Canada’s Aging Population

Canada’s Aging Population: A Report prepared by Health Canada In collaboration with the Interdepartmental Committee on Aging & Seniors Issues. 2002.



Rebuilding Respect: A Progress Report for Seniors

November, 2002



Older Women's Network

The Social Issues Action Committee (SIAC)



The national Center on Women & Aging



Community Needs Assessment for Older Women: Toronto and the Counties of Peterborough, Victoria, and Northumberland



Study of Shelter Needs of Abused Older Women



[PDF] Women Ageing: old lives, new challenges

Bernard, Miriam. 2001. Education & Ageing, Volume 16, Number 3, 2001.



Institute for Human Development, Life Course and Aging



City of Toronto: Seniors - Seniors' Assembly



Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens' Organizations



Canadian Association on Gerontology



Canadian Journal of Aging



International Federation on Ageing



Robert  Pedlow Human factors of Ageing and Internet Access



Senior Computer Information Project Index of Advocacy Groups



Aging, the UN



Aging, the UN & NDOs



Senior Computer Information Project Index of Organizations



Elder and Senior Abuse (Research/ Statistics)



Films/NFB on Aging



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