Aging, Politics, and Global Power: A Sociological Perspective
Chapter 15: Aging and the Elderly
Life Expectancy: On the Rise
- In the 1900s, life expectancy was 50.2 years for women and 47.2 years for men.
- Today, life expectancy has risen to 83.4 years for women and 76.4 years for men.
- These increases are largely due to medical advances.
- The old-age dependency ratio, the ratio of elderly to working-age population, is projected to double in the next 50 years.
Gerontology: The Study of Aging
Gerontology is the study of aging and elderly people. It encompasses biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.
Biological Changes Associated with Aging
Biological changes associated with aging include wrinkles, loss of vitality, and increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses.
Longevity Trends
- By 1900, longevity had extended to about age 50 in North America and Western Europe. Increased affluence has added approximately 30 years to life expectancy.
- In many low-income countries, life expectancy remains around the 1900 level.
Japan: An Exceptional Case
- Older people in Japan play a significant role in families.
- The oldest employees often enjoy the greatest respect.
- Finding meaning in later life: Older people recognize that their lives are nearing the end, and many spend time reflecting on their lives. Maintaining personal dignity and self-confidence is crucial.
Social Isolation Among the Elderly
Social isolation is a common concern among the elderly. The most significant cause is the inevitable death of significant others.
Poverty Among the Elderly
The poverty rate of the elderly has declined substantially since 1990. In Canada, 85% of older Canadians live above the low-income level. However, women and people of color are more likely to experience poverty in old age.
The Sandwich Generation
The sandwich generation refers to individuals who are caring for both their children and their elderly parents. Family members provide 80% of care for the elderly, with women providing 75% of all caregiving.
Theories of Aging
- Disengagement Theory: This theory suggests that society functions in an orderly way by disengaging people from positions of responsibility as they reach old age, making room for younger workers.
- Activity Theory: This theory proposes that a high level of activity enhances personal satisfaction in old age.
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is illegal in Canada but legal in the Netherlands.
Chapter 17: Politics and Power
Politics and the Polity
Politics, or the”polity” refers to the social institution that distributes power, sets a society’s goals, and makes decisions for society.
Government
Government is a formal organization that directs the political life of a society.
Power and Authority
- Power: As defined by Max Weber, power is the ability to achieve desired ends despite resistance from others.
- Authority: Authority is power that people perceive as legitimate rather than coercive.
Routinization of Charisma
Routinization of charisma refers to the combination of tradition and bureaucracy to keep a charismatic leader’s goals alive. An example is the Catholic Church.
Politics in Global Perspective
There are currently 195 independent nation-states, each with a distinctive political system.
Monarchy
A monarchy is a political system in which a single family rules from generation to generation. It is legitimized by tradition.
- Absolute Monarchy: Power is based on the divine right of kings, and they have absolute control over their people.
- Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch is a symbolic head of state, while elected officials govern. Power is limited by law.
Democracy
Democracy is a political system that gives power to the people as a whole.
- Representative Democracy: Leaders compete for office in elections.
Transition from Monarchy to Democracy
Traditional monarchies have often given way to rational-legal authority, leading to the establishment of democracies.
Canada’s Democratic System
While Canada is considered a democracy, it is not truly democratic because:
- Bureaucracy lacks public accountability.
- Economic inequality persists.
Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism
- Authoritarianism: A political system that denies the people participation in government.
- Totalitarianism: A highly centralized political system that extensively regulates people’s lives, creating an atmosphere of isolation and fear.
The Global Political System
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a significant role in the global political system. They seek to advance global issues, such as human rights and the environment.
Politics in Canada
Canada is a constitutional monarchy with a Senate of 105 appointed seats.
Culture, Economics, and Politics in Canada
Canada has a larger budget for government services than the United States.
Political Parties
Political parties are organizations operating within the political system to seek control of the government. Their functions include:
- Promoting political pluralism
- Increasing political involvement
- Selection of candidates and leaders
- Forging political coalitions
- Maintaining political stability
The Political Spectrum
- Political Left: Generally anti-big business, egalitarian, collectivist, and interventionist.
- Political Right: Generally pro-big business, private enterprise, and free markets; supports deficit reduction and globalization.
Political Participation
Women make up 25% of politicians at the federal level in Canada. Barriers to women’s participation include:
- Socialization (gender stereotypes)
- Lack of financing or contacts
- The electoral system
Theoretical Analysis of Power in Society
- Pluralist Model: This model views power as spread among many competing interest groups. It is linked to structural-functionalism. Politics is seen as an arena of negotiation.
- Power-Elite Model: This model views power as concentrated among the very rich. It is linked to social-conflict analysis.
- Marxist Model: This model explains politics in terms of a society’s economic system. It is linked to social-conflict analysis. Power is divided along the lines of a capitalist economy, with the majority of workers excluded.
Power Beyond the Rules
Revolution: The overthrow of one political system to establish another. Revolutions often occur with these traits:
- Rising expectations
- Unresponsive government
- Radical leadership by intellectuals
Establishing a new legitimacy after a revolution can be difficult, especially if the deposed leaders are strong.
War and Peace
War: Organized, armed conflict. Causes of war include:
- Perceived threats
- Social problems
- Political objectives
- Moral objectives
- Absence of alternatives
The Costs and Causes of Militarism
·Military industrial complex: close association between the government, military and the defence industry
Nuclear Weapons
·Nuclear proliferation: the acquisition of nuclear weapons and technology by more and more nations