Social constructionism or the social construction of reality is a theory of knowledge in sociology and communication theory that examines the development of jointly constructed understandings of the world that form the basis for shared assumptions about reality (Gergen, 1984). In social constructionism theory, we look at different phenomenon and try to gain understanding about how those phenomena are constructed in different ways in different social contexts. A major focus of social constructionism is to uncover the ways in which individuals and groups participate in the construction of their perceived social reality (Sremac and Ganzevoort, 2013).The social reality is actually our subjective interpretation of personal experience, social structure, knowledge and relational setting that are constructed in society in our everyday lives (Sremac and Ganzevoort, 2013).This social construct of reality occurs in society in daily basis in which groups of individuals participate and create meaning and interpretation out of this process. According to Burr, the notion of reality is not out there waiting to be perceived, but rather interpreted by us, as a function of our cultural habits is one of the major foundation of social constructionism(Sremac and
Sociological Theories examine institutional arrangements within society and the interaction between and among social institutions, individuals and groups as they affect socialization and have an impact on social behavior. (Schmalleger, 261) 7. Social Ecology is an approach to criminological theorizing that attempts to link the structure and organization of a human community to interactions with its localized environment. (Schmalleger, 264) 8. Anomie (according to Merton), is a disjunction between socially approved means to success and legitimate goals.
2. Identify professional disciplines that influence human services. Professional disciplines that influence Human Services are sociology, psychology, and anthropology (Woodside & McClam, 2012, p. 11). Sociology is the assessment of an individual and the broader culture and tries to account for while understanding the differences within human culture. It also helps the professionals understand what affects the living, such as family structure and roles.
Throughout the duration of this essay, I will begin with exploring the idea and concept of postmodernism, and then move on to depict and evaluate these claims made by post-modernists in more depth. Postmodernism is a late 20th century phenomena that argues there has been a departure from modernism. There have been many changes which have led to this new epoch known as postmodernity. Most importantly, there has been a new form of society, brought about by fundamental changes in the nature of society. There are three distinct characteristics that allow us to recognize the difference from modernity; changes in capitalism, changes in the consumer society, and the rise of a global society.
Define the “age stratification theory”, and discuss the relevance of this theory to the older person. The age stratification theory is the underlying scheme that groups people into social categories; ranking people based of age, wealth, gender and race. Age stratification, which is based on the social status of a person, is a major source of inequalities and differences between age groups and consequently may lead to ageism. (GCIT, 2012a) 3. Define the “activity theory”, and discuss the relevance of this theory to the older person.
(McClelland) In functionalism, change is said to happen when pressure is put on individuals by social structures. This is what is known as a macro theory. Macro theories work from the society downward, the society forces the people to change, not the people change society. As a real world example of how functionalism is applied I will use elder abuse. When there is a problem such as elder abuse, a functionalist would say there is a dysfunction.
Elderly health care has many effects on social change. Health care cost continue to rise and a majority of elderly individuals make a choice each month to either have medical treatment, prescription drugs, or every day needs such as food, electricity, clothing, and water. The biggest social change for the elderly is the inability to interact with other members of society. Interaction with other individuals is limited for several reasons. The main reason for limited interaction is the lack of funds to acquire transportation to travel, along with illnesses and limited mobility.
L o n g -Te rm Ca r e Sy st em s Long-Term Care In The United States: An Overview A complex system of public and private funding often leaves elderly persons at risk of financial catastrophe and inadequate care. by Judith Feder, Harriet L. Komisar, and Marlene Niefeld PROLOGUE: Elderly Americans are just about the only group of U.S. citizens whose health care is universally insured as an entitlement. However, elders who need long-term care have much less protection. Medicare, the federal program for the elderly and disabled, covers many of the costs of acute medical care but only tangentially covers some long-term care services. Medicaid, the federal/state health program, covers long-term care but only for people who are poor or who
The National Council on Aging states that 14% of adults aged 65+ face retirements with negative net worth. These are suppose to be the golden years yet the current
Abstract Dementia is an organic brain syndrome which results in worldwide global cognitive impairments. Dementia is common among elders 65 years and older and statistics, in 2009 estimated as many as 35 million people worldwide have some type of dementia (Alzheimer’s association, 2012). This research paper will disclose the history behind dementia, cause, symptoms, treatment. Living with dementia and the effect it has on caregivers and the demented individual, financial cost and physical cost caregivers take on. Keywords: Dementia, Alzheimer’s Dementia The word dementia comes from the Latin de meaning "apart" and mens from the genitive mentis meaning "mind".