DISCIPLINE
COURSE TITLE
COURSE CODE
Sociology
Aging, Modernization and Adaptation
SOC328
Kenneth W. K. Law
Rm. 213; Ext. 7209; lawwk@ln.edu.hk
Learning Objectives
This course develops in depth a number of topics introduced in the course Social
Gerontology. It starts with an examination on the functional relationship between
modernization and aging. It is followed by the discussions about the impacts of
modernization on social and economic well-being in later life. This course also deals with
the major ingredients of a happy later life and the process of achieving successful aging.
Upon the completion of this course, students are expected to have a good understanding of
the process of aging and a better idea of the process through which a productive and
successful later life can be achieved.
Indicative Content
I.
Introduction
a.
The emergence of aging: a global perspective
b
The study of aging: sociological and gerontological perspectives
C. Population aging in Hong Kong: patterns and trends
II.
Aging and modernization: theoretical perspectives
a.
Disengagement theory
b.
Activity theory
C. Role theory
d.
Subculture theory
e.
Modernization theory
III
Aging and modernization: empirical evidence
a.
Modernization and the social status of the elderly
b.
Social stereotyping of old age
C. Changing social image and perceptions of the elderly
d.
Rising of the political influence of the older population
C. Social perceptions of the old people: Hong Kong
IV.
Quality of life and life satisfaction
a.
Factors affecting life satisfaction in later life
b.
Family and social networks
C. Leisure activities and social participation
d.
Work and employment
e.
Income and expenditure
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V.
Achieving successful aging: retirement planning and preparation
a
The concept of successful aging
b.
Domains and the importance of retirement planning and preparation
c.
Financial planning
d.
Health planning
e.
Social life planning
f.
Retirement planning and preparation of Hong Kong people
VI.
Achieving successful aging: programs for promoting productive aging
a.
The limitations of social services and welfare for the elderly
b.
The limitations of family care for the elderly
c.
The concept of productive aging
d.
Programs promoting productive aging: experience and prospect
Readings
Essential
Atchley, Robert C. 2003. Social Forces and Aging. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth.
Law, Kenneth W. K. (ed.). 2001. Aging, Gender and Family in Singapore, Hong Kong and
China. Taipei: Academic Sinica.
Supplementary
Adams-Price, Carolyn. (ed.) 1998. Creativity and Successful Aging: Theoretical and
Empirical Approaches. N.Y.: Springer.
Ahearn, Frederick L. 2002. Issues in Global Aging. N.Y.: Haworth Pastoral Press.
Altman, Stuart H. and David I. Shactman (eds.) 2002. Policies for An Aging Society.
Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press.
Bass, Scott A. (ed.), 1995. Older and Active: How Americans Over 55 Are Contributing to
Society. New Haven: Yale University Press.
Bass, Scott A., Francis G. Caro, and Y. P. Chen. 1993. Achieving a Productive Aging
Society. London: Auburn House.
Binstock, Robert and Linda K. George (eds.). 2001. Handbook of Aging and the Social
Sciences. San Diego: Academic Press.
Blieszner, Rosemary and Victoria H. Bedford. 1995. Handbook of Aging and the Family.
London: Greenwood Press.
Bond, Lynne A., Stephen J. Cutler, and Armin Grams. 1995. Promoting Successful and
Productive Aging. London: Sage.
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Brown, Arnold S. 1996. Social Processes of Aging and Old Age. Englewood Cliffs, N. J.:
Prentice Hall.
Calasanti, Toni M. and Kathleen F. Slevin. 2001. Gender, Social Inequalities, and Aging.
Lanham, MD.: AltaMira Press.
Caro, Francis G., Robert Morris and Jill R. Norton (eds.). 2000. Advancing Aging Policy As
the 21th Century Begins. N.Y.: Haworth Press.
Cockerham, William C. 1997. This Aging Society. N.J.: Prentice Hall.
Cowgill, O. Donald. 1986. Aging Around the World. Belmont, Cal.: Wadsworth.
Cox, Harold G., 1996. Later Life: The Realities of Aging. N. J.: Prentice Hall.
Elderly Commission of Hong Kong. 2001. Elderly Commission: Report on Healthy Aging.
H.K.: Elderly Commission.
Featherstone, Mike and Andrew Wernick. 1995. Images of Aging: Cultural Representations
of Later Life. N.Y.: Routledge.
Friedrich, Douglas D. 2001. Successful Aging: Integrating Contemporary Ideas, Research
Findings, and Intervention Strategies. Springfield, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas.
Jamieson, Anne, Sarah Harper and Christina Victor (eds.). 1997. Critical Approaches to
Aging and Later Life. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Klein, Waldo C., C. Waldo and Martin Bloom. 1997. Successful Aging: Strategies for
Healthy Living. N.Y. : Plenum Press.
Kumashir, Masaharu. 1995. The Paths to Successful Aging. London: Taylor and Francis.
Law, Kenneth W. K. 1995. Social Construction and Exaggeration of the Elderly Problem in
Hong Kong. Ph.D. Dessertation. Hong Kong: The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Lynne, Bond, Stephen J. Cutler and Armin Grams (eds.). 1995. Promoting Successful and
Productive Aging. Calif.: Sage.
Matcha, Duane A. 1997. The Sociology of Aging: A Social Problems Perspective. Boston:
Allyn and Bacon.
O'Reilly, Evelyn M. 1997. Decoding the Cultural Stereotypes about Aging: New
Perspectives. London: Garland.
Phillips, David R. (ed.) 2000. Ageing in the Asia-Pacific Region: Issues, Policies and
Future Trends. London: Routledge.
Nelson, Todd D. 2002. Ageism: Stereotyping and Prejudice against Older Persons.
Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.
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Rowe, John W. 1998. Successful Aging. N.Y.: Pantheon Books.
Thorson, James A. 2000. Aging in a Changing Society, N.Y.: Wadsworth.
Thursz, Daniel, Charlotta Nusberg, and Johnnie Prather. 1995. Empowering Older People:
An International Approach. London: Auburn House.
Walker, Alan and Tony Maltby. 1997. Aging Europe. Philadelphia: Open University Press.
Journals
International Journal of Aging and Human Development; The Gerontologists; Journal of
Gerontology; Journal of Aging Studies; Hong Kong Journal of Gerontology; Research on
Aging; The Journal of Applied Gerontology.
Teaching Approach
Lecturers combined with tutorials. Students are required to attend all tutorials. Grades will
be deducted if fail to do so.
Assessment
Tutorial Presentation and Discussion
Project Report
Final Examination
20%
20%
60%
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