Disengagement Theory Essay

According to Lange and Grossman, sociological theories are ways to define adult’s ability to adapt on changing roles, relationships, and status within a culture or society (Mauk, 2010, pp. 51). Many of our choices are affected by societal norms. In other words, the heart of sociology focus on views of social backgrounds influencing attitudes, behavior, and life changes. Although each human being differs from one another, there is a common aspect that is shared. These shared qualities are perceived to create a bond that is unique. Humanity is not made of “just individuals but rather social beings deeply enmeshed in society” (Barkan, 2006). To create the balance within society, aging adults are adapted to certain mechanisms. Two common theories of sociology explaining this phenomenon are disengagement and activity theory.
First theory that needs to be addressed is disengagement theory. Sociologists Cumming and Henry created disengagement theory to characterize aging. The definition of this theory is quite different from activity theory. According to Barkan (2006), in order for younger people to assume important roles, “society must encourage its older people to disengage from their previous roles and to take on roles more
appropriate to their physical and mental decline”. Because disengagement theory assumes that social aging preserves a society’s solidity, it is often considered a functionalist explanation of the aging process. With this smooth transition, elderly are engaged in a more sedentary lifestyle. Leaving their previous roles for the younger generation to fulfill.
A critical problem with this theory is the assumption that older people are unable to adequately perform pervious roles. In many different communities around the world this is quite untrue, elderly people still continue to perform their previous roles quite well. Many people cannot afford to choose retirement because of their sociocultural settings and environmental opportunities, “If they leave their jobs, they are also leaving needed sources of income, and if they leave their jobs and other roles they also reduce their social interaction and the benefits it brings” (Barkan, 2006). If the elderly continue to disengage in society, the needed insight and wisdom of the past is lost. Critics also point out that disengagement is usually enforced rather than voluntary. An example of this occurrence is when elderly people are forced to move to nursing homes or isolate themselves because of medical problems being the issue, which justifies the barriers to participation in social activities for older people.
Although disengagement theory has worked in the past, certain problems of this theory are inconsistent.
For instance a certain elderly, C.C., has no qualifications in order to disengage in society. She chooses to continue in life to remain her active role as a mother and active participant in her church duties. She has been an active member of the church ever since she was married to her husband in the 1960s. Despite her health issue of osteoporosis, she continues to engage and enrich her knowledge with her community. Actively seeking and providing for her family is the one role she never wants to leave. She states “ family is all she has now, why would I isolate myself from them. I will take care of them until my body lies six feet
under”.
Activity theory is the opposite of disengagement theory. Disengagement is “when social withdrawal or role loss occurs, whether by retirement, widowhood, or loss of ability to participate, the aging person may experience a loss of personal identity and well- being, low self-esteem, shame, or isolation” (Diggs, 2008). Activity theory assumes that the older people benefit themselves and their society around them if they continue to be active. This theory is considered an interactionist explanation of the aging process. They need to be optimistic and stay positive in order to be successful in an active lifestyle despite complications. Researchers have found that if people replace their employment with meaningful activities, it can improve their quality of life (Diggs, 2008). Some examples of productive roles that elderly people might pursue are membership with organizations, volunteering, or participation in social groups or activities.
One criticism of activity theory is that “its appraisal for the elderly to maintain their level of activity is too optimistic” (Barkan, 2006). Some elders do continue to stay active but some of them cannot. There are certain barriers that hinder some elders to remain active, such as poverty, gender, and social class, or even physical and mental health. Another barrier is the limited resources might overburden some elders from participating. Activity theory does not take these considerations into perspective.
Despite the criticism of activity theory, C.C. is consistent with the assumption that staying active is crucial to have a successful lifestyle. She may have lost her husband a few years ago but she uses that obstacle as a remembrance to stay active and continue to live a quality life. She remains socially interactive with her church members to seek knowledge, support and guidance. She remains positive and optimistic that she will continue to live life knowing that she tired her best to provide for her family and her community.
Overall, sociological theories would be useful as a framework for nurses. This could be used to help make certain decisions when caring for an elderly patient. For instance, if a patient was grieving from a loss of a loved one, encouragement in certain activities or remembrance of positive memories may help with acceptance. Social interaction is key when dealing with patients with negative complications, such as talking about those issues in a therapeutic approach. As a nurse, analysis and adjustment will help elderly patient transition towards a better life.
Disengagement and activity theory both display certain flaws but together they help nurses understand certain patterns of social aging. Applying disengagement theory in a clinical setting is useful in certain areas of the nursing field such as transitioning from retirement to a nursing home. Elderly patient are now freed from social responsibilities and gain time for internal reflection towards other activities. As for activity theory, using this in the nursing field will help patients to enhance and seek a better version of themselves to have an active lifestyle. Taking care of patient requires not only the science but also the art of caring, which includes social interaction.