Age and identity:
Legislation protecting children:
Core definition:
The identification with the cultural conventions of how we should act, look, and behave according to our age.
Only aspect of identity in which we all experience changing effects.
Chronological length of time a person has lived.
Social-construction:
In western world old people are seen as a burden and requiring care homes. Youth is admired.
Bradley: (1996)
In eastern countries old age correlates with wisdom.
Japan has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world. In large part, this contributes to Japan's notoriety for respecting their elders. In Japan cultural norms suggest parents in a care home tantamount to neglect. 'Respect for the aged day':
'Respect for the aged day': express respect for the elders in the community, recognise and thank them for their contributions to society and celebrate their long lives.
In Chad life expectancy is 54.24 years. Affected by natural disasters on a regular basis. In rural areas, people depend on agriculture and droughts can have devastating socioeconomic effects. Around 80 per cent of the population depend on subsistence farming and raising livestock.
Young adulthood
Middle age
Adolescence
Old age
Childhood
In third world countries children are often working in factories (sweat shops) or army soldiers.
Children during the industrial revolution worked on machinery, sold newspapers and as chimney sweeps.
Childhood:
Postman: (1982) Disappearance of childhood: Emergence and spread of media has allowed children to be exposed to adulthood themes such as, death, disease and sexuality. 'Blurring' the lines between adult and children. Dress and activities becoming increasingly adult-like.
Aries: In the middle ages (10th to 13th century) childhood didn't exist, it is an 'invention'.
In pre-industrial societies people didn't know their date of birth or exact age. Parent's would often leave kids unnamed because of the high infant mortality rate and or name new children after ones who had died prior.
Ferudi: parents perceive children as vulnerable and wrap them in cotton wool. They are at risk from traffic, strangers and toys.
Oakley: children are socialised into gender roles differently.
1.Canalisation
2.Verbal appellations
3.Different activities
4.Manipulation
Youth:
Corner:
Young bodies portrayed positively and as 'beautiful'
Post modernists:
Individuals are adults older due to extended compulsory education in the UK. 18 legally defines an adult.
Bradley:
Neo-tribes.
Youth are a non-homogenous group in a super market of style.
Age is a particularly important part of identity in young and old.
Associated with rebellion due to the media and its creation of 'folk-devils'. Hoodies etc.
Middle-age:
Sandwich age
Mcrobbie and Garber
Bradley
Consumer power
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