Age Old Problem

Is Age a Natural Phenomenon I’ve always had trouble convincing students that age is -at least in part - a social construction. Now at last, here’s a bit of evidence to help me in my battle against the forces of darkness (students - whoops, no, only joking). The Independent reports a judgement from the European Court which rejected claims that the UK policy on retirement amounted to age discrimination. Look in The Guardian and you’ll see their leader certain thinks it’s about time we changed our laws about retirement. And ‘Motty’- football commentator John Motson - thinks he’s better than ever, age 63.

Suffice it to say, age is both natural and a social construction. Clearly, ageing does have physical effects; but not all of these are negatives and some abilities may even improve with age. Myself, I always feel those who argue about ‘natural’ differences, whether of age, ‘race’ (ask your teacher why it’s in inverted commas) or gender, always exaggerate the extent or importance of the supposed or real difference. The sociological perspective invites us to consider the way in which age differences are socially organised and mediated by power. Thus adults exert power - generally speaking - over children. And interestingly ‘old’ age is treated variously in different cultures. Some cultures - such as Japan, or Native American Indian cultures, revere the elderly. In modern industrial societies - perhaps due to the dominating influence of economic factors- the elderly are more frequently seen in a negative light; as less fit, less able to work, and as dependent on others.

That’s all for this week folks. No quiz today I’m afraid, but I’ll knock up something for next week. Enjoy the weekend - another social construction - of time.