9. Age Identity

• What is the age range defined for childhood?


  From birth to around 12-13 years old
• How is childhood described in the study material?


  Childhood is socially constructed
• What did Lawrence Stone (1990) state about children in the 18th century?


  Children were regarded as extra workers to help their parents or to be hired out for wages
• What do children need according to the study material?


  Children need to be loved and protected
• How are children presented in the media today?


  As either little angels/vulnerable victims or little devils
• What is the age range defined for adolescence/youth?


  Aged 12-25 years old
• What is the period of adolescence/youth characterized by?


  The period between puberty and the achievement of full adult status
• What concepts do sociologists like Clake (1976) associate with youth?


  Rebellion and resistance
• How does the media represent youth in the contemporary UK?

  Through subcultures like Punks and Chavs with different norms and values
• What does Polemus (1997) identify about youth culture?


  It is a time of experimenting with new styles and fashions
• What does the term "supermarket of style" refer to in youth culture?


  Young people can pick and mix their customs and identities
• What is the age range defined for young adulthood?

  Aged 25-39 years old
• What does Wallace state about modern societies regarding young adulthood?


  They have private and public "markers" for personal behaviors
• What are examples of public behaviors mentioned by Wallace?


  The right to vote and approval of a bank loan
• How do Hockey and James view young adulthood?


  As bound up with having freedom and independence from parents
• What does young adulthood allow individuals to do?


  Leave their parents' home and engage in various life activities
• What is the age range defined for middle ages?

  People in their 40s and 50s
• How does Victor (2005) describe middle ages?


  As a distinctive phase of life related to individuals in their 40s and 50s
• What is a common attitude associated with middle ages?


  It is considered an attitude/state of mind
• What are the norms associated with middle ages?


  Financial independence, not dressing youthfully, owning a house, established career, not physically active, and long-term commitments
• What values are associated with middle ages?


  Health, family ties, quality of life, financial stability, and higher likelihood of conservatism
• What is the age range defined for old age?

  Aged 65 and over
• What does retirement come with according to the study material?


  A pension from the state, public travel, and free prescriptions
• How is old age stereotyped according to Victor (2005)?


  As a period of loneliness, inability to learn, poor health, and dependence on others
• What does Pilcher argue about old age categories?


  We should differentiate between "young old," "middle-aged old," and "old old"
• What is the societal view of the elderly in the UK according to the study material?


  They do not receive a great deal of respect or status
• What is considered the major source of status in industrial societies?


  Work