Age inequality

Age inequality

Functionalist view – disengagement theory: (👤 Cumming and Henry, 1961) older people withdraw from work to allow younger workers in, which is seen as functional for society.
- Ignores enforced retirement and age discrimination.
Marxist view – reserve army of labour: (👤 Phillipson, 1988) older workers are used when needed and discarded when surplus. Pensions are kept low to maintain a compliant workforce.
- Underplays diversity of experiences in old age.
Postmodernist view: (👥 Featherstone and Hepworth, 1982) age boundaries are breaking down, retirement is no longer a fixed identity, and consumer culture creates new ageing identities.
- Ignores persistent material inequalities among older people.

Sign up to unlock the rest of this topic — plus every other topic, video, flashcard set and eBook guide in your SnapRevise+ subscription.

Cancel anytime — instant access the moment you sign up.