Ch 2: Political & Ethical Issues in Studying Gerontology
About This Chapter
Political & Ethical Issues in Studying Gerontology - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
The experience of aging is not exactly the same for each individual, and many forces affect that process. In this chapter, our instructors will explain the various forces and influences that play a part in aging. You will also be introduced to some differences of opinion in the scientific community related to adult development and aging. This chapter is designed to teach you:
- The various forces that affect adult development
- Examples of aging's developmental effects
- How culture and ethnicity might affect the aging process
- The basis of the differences of opinion related to the study of aging
Video | Objectives |
---|---|
The Forces of Adult Development: Biological, Psychological, Sociocultural & Life-cycle | Identify and describe four main forces that shape development, including biological, psychological, sociocultural and life-cycle forces. Provide some examples of those forces of development. |
The Developmental Influences of Aging: Definition & Examples | Define and describe normative age-graded influences, normative history-graded influences and non-normative influences on aging. |
Cultural & Ethnic Influences on Aging | Discuss how culture and ethnicity can influence aging. |
Controversies Surrounding the Study of Adult Development and Aging | Define and discuss nature vs. nurture, stability vs. change, continuity vs. discontinuity, and universal vs. context-specific development theories. |

1. The Forces of Adult Development: Biological, Psychological, Sociocultural & Life-cycle
The forces of adult development are the developmental factors that impact adulthood. Learn about the forces of adult development: biological, psychological, sociocultural, and life-cycle.

2. The Developmental Influences of Aging: Definition & Examples
People go through different events in life that can influence the way they interact with their environment in different ways. Learn the definition and explore examples of the developmental influences put on a person based on the culture's expectations, their environment, and non-normative life events.

3. Cultural & Ethnic Influences on Aging
Ethnicity and culture can influence the aging process. Understand the definitions of ethnicity and culture, examine skin, general health, and religion, and their impact on aging.

4. Controversies Surrounding the Study of Adult Development and Aging
Numerous factors determine experiences and outcomes in adult development and aging. Explore the four major development controversies, including nature versus nurture, stability versus change, continuity versus discontinuity, and universal versus context-specific.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Gerontology for Teachers: Professional Development course
- Introduction to Gerontology
- Research Methods & the Study of Gerontology
- Conducting Ethical Research When Studying Gerontology
- The Demography of Aging
- The Health of Older Adults
- Chronic Conditions of the Aging Population
- The Brain & Nervous System in Older Adults
- The Aging Muscle, Skeletal, and Integumentary Systems
- The Aging Sensory System
- The Aging Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
- The Aging Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
- Attention and Memory of the Aging Population
- The Cognitive Development of Older Adults
- Intelligence, Creativity, & Wisdom in Older Adults
- Mental Health & Lifespan Development Disorders in Older Adults
- Measures of Well-Being in Aging Populations
- Clinical Assessment in Psychology
- Anxiety Disorders Related to Aging
- Substance Use Disorders & Aging Populations
- Cognitive Disorders in Older Adults
- Personality & Older Adulthood
- Mood and Stress Disorders
- Treatment Methods for Psychological Disorders in Adults
- Aging in Society: Social Implications for Older Adults
- Interpersonal Relationships of Older Adults
- The Economics of Aging
- Work in Late Adulthood
- Work, Leisure & Community Involvement in Retirement
- Politics and Policy for Older Adults
- Dying and Bereavement in Older Adults