Functionalist

• Cummings and henry

  • Disengagement theory - the idea that everyone will eventually die leads to a decline in abilities
  • As people age, there is a mutual need to be relieved of their responsibilities
• Parsons and Eisenstadt

  • Youth is a time for individuals to grow up and learn their new adult roles, which is imperative for society's stability
  • Analogy of a bridge: youth culture is a bridge from childhood to adulthood. some youth behave dysfunctionally which allows for an integrated society later
• Davis and Moore

  Role allocation:

  Roles are allocated to people depending on their skills and abilities. Some young people may not possess these skills when put up against older, more experienced candidates, so young people don't get as many jobs or opportunities as older individuals
• Parsons

  Elderly have less status in society. Once the elderly have grown up and men have retired, they lose their important social roles.

  They may become isolated from their children who focus on their families