Abstract
The paper discusses how the media influences the way people eat, dress, play, and think about life, and more specifically, sociologists suggest that the media exerts a powerful influence in terms of defining the aging process and what it means to be aged in society. In light of this assertion, the current discussion explores how coverage of aging issues in the newspaper is part of the social construction of aging.

From the Paper
"Many sociologists contend that, in many ways, society today is a product of media influences. Experts argue, in fact, that the media influences the way people eat, dress, play, and think about life. More specifically, sociologists suggest that the media exerts a powerful influence in terms of defining the aging process and what it means to be aged in society. In light of this assertion, the current discussion explores how coverage of aging issues in the newspaper is part of the social construction of aging."

Tags:aging, construction, sociology

Abstract
This paper reviews the steady aging of the American population (certainly among the native-born) and looks at what this means for the social and economic future of the United States. In particular, the paper looks at the various economic, labor market, health and demographic trends gripping America and at how they are all coming together at a significant point in U.S. history. More than that, the paper argues that the United States faces possible economic contraction, run-away social costs, social fragmentation, and a general decline in vigor and/or productivity unless it finds a way to implement policy changes that will nudge the nation towards a brighter future.

Outline:
Abstract
References

From the Paper
"Other economic trends can be easily associated with an aging population. For one thing, it is axiomatic that older investors tend to be much more interested in investments that offer long-term security and reliable returns. Conversely, younger investors who have many more years in the workforce ahead of them - and who have the time necessary to "rebound" from a bad investment - may be more willing to put their money into high-risk, high-reward ventures. Suffice it to say, part of the vitality of the American economy resides in the willingness of people to "take a chance" and finance a fledgling company that has an uncertain future. As the population grows older, however, the interest in participating in venture capitalism and/or engaging in entrepreneurial activities diminishes in relative terms; as a result, a major component of America's economic success is greatly constrained."

Tags:diversity, growth, demography, expenditures

Abstract
This paper considers whether the loss of memory in some individuals is due exclusively to an organic disruption within their brain, such as the degenerative disease of Alzheimer's, or if psychological aspects also come into play when determining the loss of memory. Given the existence of evidence pointing both ways, as is exhibited, the paper discusses how the loss of one's memory is at times organic in the case of Alzheimer's disease, but also how the presence or lack thereof of such a disease does not rule out the psychological and sociological influence upon the aging individual's perception of his memory.

From the Paper
"In an article published in the New York Times this particular topic was explored through the use of an experiment, in which the sociological effect of aging stereotypes affected those taking the tests. The psychologists in the experiment utilized a means of an exam, and to test the psychological effects and perception of aging, told the participants, who as mentioned above were in their upper middle-ages and thus at the age in which memory is a serious issue, told them that they were being included into a study which was aimed at individuals over the age of seventy. This particular detail which served to include the individuals into a group of more aged individuals was a mechanism to remind the upper middle-aged test-takers that true old age was not particularly far away. "

Tags:Alzheimers

Abstract
This review of literature starts from basic sociological studies and statistical analyses, such as those provided by Public Health Canada, Census Canada and the World Health Organization, and moves on to cross-cultural studies. Further literature under review includes work that aims to reconsider the stability of categories such as 'gender' or the 'elderly'. Ultimately, this particular literature review indicates the need to move in a direction of study which aims not only to reiterate the ever-changing status quo, but to understand the links and interrelationships that give rise to it.

From the Paper
"As a topic of interest to pursue in this literature review, and for the remainder of my research in this course, the relationship between gender and aging might seem deceptively straightforward. We all hold, consciously or not, a number of assumptions and stereotypes about gender and its relationship to aging, and about aging more generally. The vague impressions we take as fact are probably influenced and determined, to a great extent, by half-truths gleaned in part from solid research, but also too often from hearsay. As a specific starting point for my review of the relevant literature I was working from a general impression that, within an aging population, women are more likely than men to experience..."

Tags:sociology, gender, aging

From the Paper
"Women and Aging: A Sociological Perspective


Women growing old in America today face a variety of issues and challenges. In fact, the needs of today's older woman have received increased attention in the media and in the halls of Congress. Yet, who are today's older women? Is there really a single definition of women growing old today? Are there differences within this group, and how do these differences account for the varying experiences known to old women? It is the purpose of this paper to answer some of these questions and, in particular, to explore ways in which aging women are affected by gender-specific concerns, demographic, economic, and physiological changes in late life.


Some of the experiences of the later stages of life are influenced by gender. According to Lou Glasse, researchers and..."

Abstract
This paper explains that the most important legislation in connection with employment discrimination is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which clearly states that employers cannot discriminate of sex, color, or race. The author points out that, as long as a person is able and willing to work, he or she cannot be discriminated against, provided their skills match the job for which they have applied. The paper reviews six rules, which should be part of every employment evaluation process: consistency, bias suppression, accuracy, correctability, representativeness, and ethicality.

Table of Contents
Definition: Employment Discrimination
Discrimination on the Basis of Sex
Discrimination on the Basis of Race
Age Discrimination
Discrimination on the Basis of Disability
Rules of Evaluation

From the Paper
"Discrimination on the basis of race is a very old issue and concern. Organizations today try their best to minimize risks of discrimination, on the basis of racial background, but the problem still exists and it plagues our organizational culture in the United States. Racial discrimination is obvious and thus can be easily detected; almost 78 percent of working Americans believe that their employers discriminate on the basis of race. One of my very close friends became victim of reverse discrimination when she was denied a job she deserved on the basis of company's fixed quota for minorities. While Debra is extremely bright and quite a diligent worker, she was denied an entry level job at JC Penny and instead a black woman, slightly older than herself, got that job simply because the company had a policy of hiring as many black employees in a year as whites."

Tags:title, gender, race, age, disability

Abstract
The paper looks at how this article explains recent changes in the long neglected area of eldercare support. The paper explains its central thesis that new links are currently being created between family roles, eldercare polices, and business requirements. The paper examines the two sociological perspectives used; role strain and the stressor-support-stress reaction model. The paper shows how the use of sociological perspectives proves enlightening because of the focus on trends and very helpful associations. However, the paper asserts that its implications and conclusions do not correspond to actual advances for caregivers.

From the Paper
"Singleton, J. (2000). Women caring for elderly family members: Shaping nontraditional work and family initiatives. Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 31 (3), 367-376. This article explains recent changes in the long neglected area of eldercare support. The central thesis is that new links are currently being created between family roles, eldercare polices, and business requirements. The research is not original but consists of a review of research. Two sociological perspectives are used: role strain and the stressor-support-stress reaction model. The use of sociological..."

Tags:elderly, abuse, solutions

Abstract
The paper examines three great nineteenth century works, Oscar Wilde's, "The Importance of Being Earnest", Joseph Conrad's, "Heart of Darkness", and Jane Austen's, "Pride and Prejudice", and how the influence of social class manifests itself in the conduct of various key figures - and also determines what is considered appropriate or inappropriate behavior. The paper shows how by looking at the social standards/expectations which inform the behaviors of key characters - Mr. Darcy in Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", Gwendolyn Fairfax in "The Importance of Being Earnest" and the Chief Accountant in Conrad's, "Heart of Darkness" - we can understand the attitudes that inform their behaviors as well as the social expectations of their age; we also learn just how powerful are the forces that keep people "in-line".

Tags:conrad, social, class

Abstract
Sports has become a central part of society, introduced to children at a young age and often continuing to be part of a person's life throughout their lifetime. Sports impacts on people in a number of ways. The paper shows that in childhood, the focus of sports is often on participating, working with other people and aspiring to be the best one can be. Successful sports people also become heroes for children, something that continues into adulthood. The paper shows that as individuals grow older their focus may change from playing sports to watching sports. At the same time, sports people continue to be respected and viewed as heroes, the fact that successful sports people get paid millions in sponsorship money is evidence that they must have a major impact on consumers. Overall, this paper looks at what sports represents and the values it communicates to people.

From the Paper
"Sport is also closely related to a person's life in society in a general way. In sport, people compete against each other to win. In a person's working life the same thing occurs. A person works against others in the workplace to earn individual rewards and promotions. A person also works as part of the company team, to grow the company. The same occurs in schools where students works in competition with each other to receive awards. Students then work to get into college, with the best students winning the college place. This illustrates one of the main aspects central to sports, the competition factor inherent to sport. This also shows how this competition factor inherent in sports is also one inherent in life. This is another major reason why sport reflects society."

Tags:team, rules, basketball, idolize, success

Abstract
This paper discusses the debate surrounding the lowering of the legal minimum drinking age and, in doing so, examines and compares two peer-reviewed articles on the subject: "Effects of Minimum Drinking Age Laws" by A.C. Wagenaar and T.L. Toomey and "Indirect Effects of Lowering the Drinking Age on New Zealand Students' Alcohol-Related Behaviours and Attitudes" by K. Brownfield, K. Fernando and J. Halberstadt. The paper shows how these two articles answer a number of questions regarding the sociological and scientific research discussions about the effects that a lowered drinking age has on driving under the influence.

Outline:
Introduction
Results and Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The legal minimum drinking age is a highly debated and frequently contested issue in public policy and law. One of the most incremental issues regarding the legal drinking age is the number of automobile accidents, that involve drinking. DUIs are significant issues in any community and among teens and youthful drinkers they seem to be even more significant due to the fact that these drivers are inexperienced, often distracted and highly likely to challenge the boundaries of safe driving with or without alcohol. (Sarkar & Andreas, 2004, p. 687) There are those who say that a reduction in the drinking age will likely result in an increase in the incidence of DUI and DUI related accidents while still others say that the drinking age should be lowered as it allows drinking behavior to be monitored and controlled in a way that is positive for the community and would likely reduce incidence of DUI."

Tags:risks, teenagers