GERO 5482 - Contemporary Issues in Aging

This course examines age as a social construct and aging as a social process. We explore the effects of societal norms and social institutions on the aging experiences of individuals as well as the effects of qualities of generations and the age structure of a population on a society and its institutions. Students will become familiar with major sociological theories of aging, and the current literature. We will discuss issues of age-related inequality and its confluence with social class, race, and gender inequalities. We will analyze major contemporary issues in aging. Students will become familiar with the literature and research in the field.

Hours:
3