Reference no: EM133385272

Sociology of Aging

RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT

The research assignment requires that you research and discuss a current social issue related to aging, drawing on key concepts and knowledge from the course. For this assignment you must select one of the following research topics:

1. Health Care (Chapter 7): From a cross-cultural perspective compare Canada's health care policies/outcomes to those of another country and make recommendations for improving the health care/housing of Canadian seniors. OR From a subculture perspective examine the health care (or housing) needs of seniors from a particular Canadian subculture and make recommendations for improving the health care/housing of this subgroup of Canadian seniors.

2. Finances and Economics (Chapter 8): From a cross-cultural perspective compare Canada's pension policies/outcomes to those of another country and make recommendations for improving the income security of Canadian seniors. OR From a subculture perspective examine the financial needs of seniors from a particular Canadian subculture and make recommendations for improving the financial status of this subgroup of Canadian seniors.

3. Retirement and Work (Chapter 9): From a cross-cultural perspective compare Canada's retirement/work policies/outcomes to those of another country and make recommendations for improving the retirement/work options of Canadian seniors. OR From a subculture perspective examine the retirement/work needs of seniors from a particular Canadian subculture and make recommendations for improving the retirement/work options of this subgroup of Canadian seniors.

4. Leisure and Recreation (Chapter 10): From a cross-cultural perspective compare Canada's leisure/recreation policies/outcomes to those of another country and make recommendations for improving the leisure/recreation options of Canadian seniors. OR From a subculture perspective examine the leisure/recreation needs of seniors from a particular Canadian subculture and make recommendations for improving the leisure/recreation options of this subgroup of Canadian seniors.

5. Housing and Transportation (Chapter 11): From a cross-cultural perspective compare Canada's Housing and Transportation policies/outcomes to those of another country and make recommendations for improving the health care/housing of Canadian seniors. OR From a subculture perspective examine the housing and transportation needs of seniors from a particular Canadian subculture and make recommendations for improving housing and transportation for this subgroup of Canadian seniors.

6. Family Life &/or Social Support (Chapter 12 & 13): From a cross-cultural perspective compare Canada's family support policies/outcomes to those of another country and make recommendations for improving the social support of Canadian seniors. OR From a subculture perspective examine the family support needs of seniors from a particular Canadian subculture and make recommendations for improving the social support of this subgroup of Canadian seniors.

7. Death and Dying (Chapter 14): From a cross-cultural perspective compare Canada's death/ dying policies/practices to those of another country and make recommendations for improving this practice for Canadian seniors. OR From a subculture perspective examine the death/dying traditions of a particular Canadian subculture and make recommendations for improving the practices of this subgroup of Canadian seniors.

You are required to make use of the following 4 sources:

• Two sociological journal articles from reputable academic sources published within the last 10 years. These articles serve as the primary basis for your paper.
• Your course textbook, which will provide you with the sociological concepts and theories that you will need to use when addressing the questions in the assignment.
• A current media source (e.g. news article, podcast, YouTube video, blog, etc.) published
within the last 5 years that discusses current social trends relevant to your research question.

1. Introduction to Topic and Assignment (1-2 pages/250-500 words)

• Clearly identify the topic you have chosen from the list provided above and answer the following questions: How does the topic relate to the lives of older people in Canada? Discuss social trends and/or current events within Canada or the global community that apply to your research topic. In order to do this, include information from a popular media source (e.g. news article, podcast, YouTube video, blog, etc.) and/or the course textbook.

Summarize the information provided in the media source and/or your textbook and explain how it relates to your topic. Conclude this section with a statement outlining the main point (i.e. thesis statement) of your assignment.

2. Summary and Analysis of Journal Articles (approx. 3 pages/750 words)
*Note: Include "Journal Article #1" and "Journal Article #2" as subheadings within this section. You are expected to answer each of the questions below for both journal articles.

• As part of your assignment, you are required to analyze two peer-reviewed sociological journal articles. Provide a summary and critical analysis for each article by answering the following questions for each article: What is the purpose of the article? What is the main argument being presented? (Note that this may involve going beyond stated facts in the article to identify a broader picture or thesis. For example, Durkheim's study on suicide is not just about comparing suicide rates between Catholics and Protestants; it is about how one's social context and level of social integration influences individual behavior.) What makes the research sociological? (as opposed to psychological, biological, etc.)

• What research method was used in the articles? Was empirical evidence presented in the articles? If so, describe the specific evidence provided. Was the evidence collected by the author(s) or by other social scientists? Did the evidence adequately support the main arguments made in the articles? What general point of view/perspective is taken by the author(s). All social scientists have a point of view or perspective. It may be stated explicitly, or it may be implied by their argument. In order to identify the point of view or perspective of the article, reflect on the following questions: What is their level of analysis (e.g. macro or micro)? What theoretical approach has the author taken (e.g. conflict theory, structural-functionalism, symbolic-interactionism)? Provide evidence to support your claims.
*Keep in mind that a point of view/perspective is not the same as a hypothesis or a thesis. Nor is it the same as a bias, which implies looking at an event solely from one point of view. All perspectives have their shortcomings; they allow us to ‘see' certain aspects of social life whilst being ‘blind' to others. Your lecture notes and textbook will be particularly useful in answering these questions.

3. Comparison, Discussion and Recommendations (1-2 pages/250-500 words)• In the final section of the assignment, draw on relevant information provided in the research articles, textbook or media source to directly address your chosen research topic. Here you are expected to demonstrate your understanding of the broader issues related to your chosen research question, provide a comparison based on your research topic, and offer at least two valid recommendations for improving the lives of older people in Canada or elsewhere. It is important to note that recommendations must be well-developed and firmly based in the evidence you gathered from your research. Moreover, be clear about what information you are using in developing your recommendations.

Attachment:- Sociology of Aging.rar