SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY TODAY

An Introduction

Chapter 8: Family Relationships and Social Bonds - Study Questions

1. to what extent was Merle McEathron's family life typical of others in her birth cohort? How was it different?

2. Describe the differences in family structure among farm, village and urban families. What racial, ethnic and gender differences characterize each?

3. How is family life changing in the United States as the population ages?

4. Describe the beanpole family and its implications for family interaction.

5. Is the American family in trouble? Defend your answer.

6. Support or argue against this statement: "Men are the primary beneficiaries of marriage." Substantiate your position.

7. What are some possible issues people might face by being widowed and divorced in old age? How do these differ by gender?

8. What role does gender play in the structure and extent of social networks in later life?

9. What are fictive kin and how do they provide familial support?

10. Provide evidence against the popular belief that relatives "dump" the elderly into nursing homes.

11. What are some social characteristics (in this chapter) of grandparents providing care for grandchildren? In what ways are these characteristics likely to influence the life chances for the grandchildren?

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