Disengagement theory outlines a process of disengagement from social life that people experience as they age and become elderly. The theory states that, over time, elderly people withdraw, or disengage from, the social roles and relationships that were central to their life in adulthood. As a functionalist theory, this framework casts the process of disengagement as necessary and beneficial to society, as it allows the social system to remain stable and ordered. Show
Overview of Disengagement in SociologyDisengagement theory was created by social scientists Elaine Cumming and William Earle Henry, and presented in the book Growing Old, published in 1961. It is notable for being the first social science theory of aging, and in part, because it was controversially received, sparked further development of social science research, and theories about the elderly, their social relationships, and their roles in society. This theory presents a social systemic discussion of the aging process and the evolution of the social lives of elderly and was inspired by functionalist theory. In fact, famed sociologist Talcott Parsons, who is regarded as a leading functionalist, wrote the foreword to the Cumming's and Henry's book. With the theory, Cummings and Henry situate aging within the social system and offer a set of steps that outline how the process of disengagement occurs as one ages and why this is important and beneficial to the social system as a whole. They based their theory on data from the Kansas City Study of Adult Life, a longitudinal study that tracked several hundred adults from middle to old age, conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago. Postulates of the Theory of DisengagementBased on this data Cummings and Henry created the following nine postulates that comprise the theory of disengagement.
Based on these postulates, Cummings and Henry suggested that the elderly are happiest when they accept and willingly go along with the process of disengagement. Critiques of the Theory of DisengagementThe theory of disengagement caused controversy as soon as it was published. Some critics pointed out that this was a flawed social science theory because Cummings and Henry assume that the process is natural, innate, and inevitable, as well as universal. Evoking a fundamental conflict within sociology between functionalist and other theoretical perspectives, some pointed out that the theory completely ignores the role of class in shaping the experience of aging, while others critiqued the assumption that the elderly have seemingly no agency in this process, but rather are compliant tools of the social system. Further, based on subsequent research, others asserted that the theory of disengagement fails to capture the complex and rich social lives of the elderly, and the many forms of engagement that follow retirement (see "The Social Connectedness of Older Adults: A National Profile" by Cornwall et al., published in American Sociological Review in 2008). Noted contemporary sociologist Arlie Hochschild also published critiques of this theory. From her view, the theory is flawed because it has an "escape clause," wherein those who do not disengage are considered troubled outliers. She also critiqued Cummings and Henry for failing to provide evidence that disengagement is willingly done. While Cummings stuck to her theoretical position, Henry subsequently disavowed it in later publications and aligned himself with alternative theories that followed, including activity theory and continuity theory. Recommended Reading
Updated by Nicki Lisa Cole, Ph.D. What is the disengagement theory for the elderly?According to disengagement theory (Cumming and Henry, 1961), older individuals are seen as limiting their social life spaces in response to societal pressures and in order to prepare for the final phase of their lives.
What type of theory is disengagement theory?Disengagement theory is a now-discredited theory of aging that posits that successful aging involves a voluntary disengagement from the social roles of active adult life. This disengagement was seen as functional and beneficial for society.
Which theory argues that older people respond to aging by gradually withdrawing?Disengagement theory postulates that people gradually disengaged from social life as they grow older, which was originally proposed by social scientist Elaine Cumming and colleagues in 1960, and later in 1961, Cumming and Henry systematize this theory into the book – Growing Old – arguing that aging is an inevitable, ...
What is social disengagement theory?Disengagement theory claims that it is natural and acceptable for older adults to withdraw from society and personal relationships as they age. Disengagement theory was the first theory of aging developed by social scientists.
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