Module 1 introduced you to the discipline of sociology including sociological theory.
You learned the basic assumptions and propositions of the three main theoretical
paradigms sociologists use to explain and understand the social world (i.e., structural
functional, social conflict, and symbolic interaction paradigm). Each of the three
paradigms leads us to interpret aging, and issues related to older persons, in
particular ways and enables us to guide interventions to improve human conditions
(Bengtson & Settersten, 2016). In this assessment you will apply each of the three
theoretical paradigms to a topic relevant to the study of aging.
Learning Objectives:
ý Describe the central ideas of structural functional, social conflict, and symbolic
interaction paradigms.
ý Apply the three theoretical paradigms to a topic relevant to the study of aging.
Instructions:
- Construct three short paragraphs, one for each of the three theoretical
paradigms. In each paragraph, describe the theoretical paradigm in 2 3
sentences (4 points). Then discuss how the paradigm can be used to
understand one of the following topics (6 points):
a. Retirement
b. Caregiving
c. Medically Assisted Dying
d. Elder Abus
Sample Solution
