Social Theories of Aging : A Brief Synopsis

Social Theories of Aging: A Brief Synopsis introduces students to a broad spectrum of social theories on aging. Each theory is categorized as first, second, or third generation according to three theoretical levels: micro-level (individual aging theories), macro-level (societal aging theories), and micro-macro-level (emerging theories). The book provides students not only with a synopsis of key theories but with the agency to create their own knowledge and search for answers within the gerontology discipline. 

Over the course of six chapters, students explore a variety of generational theories. Each overview presents a theory’s level, intellectual origins, and basic tenets. The theories span many fields and subfields of gerontology including social gerontology, sociology, anthropology, public administration, psychology, social work, and geriatrics. Activity Theory, Disengagement Theory, Modernization Theory, Continuity Theory, Exchange Theory, Age Stratification, Social Constructionist, and Transformative Learning Theory are just a few of the theories addressed in the text.

Highly accessible and concise in nature, Social Theories of Aging is an ideal textbook for introductory gerontology courses. It can also be used in graduate level courses to remind students of the theoretical underpinnings of gerontology.

Kelly Niles-Yokum is an associate professor of gerontology at University of LaVerne (California) and a fellow with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education. She earned her doctorate degree in gerontology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Pamela Pitman Brown is an assistant professor of sociology at Albany State University (Georgia) and a fellow with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education. She earned her doctorate degree in social gerontology from Miami University.

Hallie Baker is a social gerontologist, licensed social worker, associate professor of health science at Muskingum University (Ohio), and a fellow with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education. She earned her doctorate degree in social gerontology from Miami University.