Marginalisation of the Elderly in America - 3395 Words

Independence is a socially constructed concept within a capitalistic patriarchal society that serves to marginalize and oppress the elderly members of the society. Why do many women of the elderly population within the United States live alone? What is it about our society that has encouraged the elderly population to live alone and without the vital familial support that is so often necessary for people who are reaching their golden years? Elderly people in the United States are one of the most vulnerable groups of people who have traditionally been marginalized. They are viewed as weak individuals because they are no longer able to physically work for pay. Many of them choose to live alone yet suffer in isolation because of the†¦show more content†¦There are many sociological research articles begging for more theories about the aging population and social and structural policies. Authors Paul C. Luken and Suzanne Vaughan did research to determine how independent livi ng and ageing is socially constructed and how housing policies and language need to be modified (Luken and Vaughan 2003). Luken and Vaughan used qualitative research by conducting in depth interviews with five elderly women. Luken and Vaughan defined elderly as being over the age of 60 and each of the elderly women had lived independently for at least six months. Four of the elderly women were from the United States and prided themselves on how they lived alone even though they were lonely and wanted more interaction with their families (Luken and Vaughan 2003). The 5th woman they interviewed was originally from Mexico. She wanted to live with her family, but she would have not received any subsidy from the state if she did because her family’s income was too high to qualify. Therefore, she had to live alone in Section 8 housing. It is interesting to note that sheShow MoreRelatedChanging Attitude Towards Child Sex Preference11388 Words   |  46 Pagesfinancially, and its impact on the care and support/ well-being of the elderly in Nigeria in general, and in particular among the Yoruba of Southwest. The paper examines the impact of social change on child sex preference as old age security. Before delving into the theme of the paper, the concept of social change was briefly discussed. The reasons for having children generally are discussed, child sex preference among the elderly were equally analyzed; the pattern it took before now, the changes thatRead MoreCritically examine sociological explanations for the emergence and growth of religious sects in an apparently secular society.5615 Words   |  23 Pagesattitude of most Mormons. The movement was started by Joseph Smith in 1830 in New York State. He claimed that an angel called Moroni was sent to guide Smith to a nearby hill, and he was shown where a series of gold plates depicting the early history of America and the real gospel were buried. Smith was told he would be able to translate the ancient hieroglyphics with a pair of magical spectacles that would be found nearby. He taught that god is a physical being who procreates with his wives producingRead MoreExploring Corporate Strategy - Case164366 Words   |  658 Pagesimplemented other cost-control measures. Fortunately, litigious US consumers focused MCO attention on offering optimal rather than cheapest care, leaving the door open to genuine innovation. Medicare reforms in 2006 extended drug coverage for the elderly, but also made the government overnight the largest direct purchaser of medicines. (Powerful bulk purchasers such as the Veterans Administration had already negotiated prices even lower than those in Canada.) Concerns about high prices and drug safety