Introduction to age and identity

Age plays a role in shaping identity because it is the only aspect that everyone experiences in a changing way throughout life. Sociologists note that as people move through different life stages, their social status and how others interact with them also shift. This occurs because age stages are socially constructed.

Bradley, a sociologist writing in 1996, identified five major generational stages of age identity in the UK: childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and old age. These stages highlight how age affects status, and how others interact with individuals.

Social construction of childhood

Childhood is typically viewed in the UK as a distinct phase marked by innocence, vulnerability, and dependence. During this time, young people are often protected and cared for by parents and the state, with laws and social norms shielding them from adult responsibilities.

This perception differs across cultures. In some societies, childhood is not seen as a period of protection; instead, children may engage in demanding work, such as long hours in hazardous jobs.

Postman, a sociologist writing in 1982, argued that childhood was disappearing during the late 20th century. He suggested that exposure to adult themes through television was eroding childhood as a separate stage of life.

Social construction of adolescence or youth

Adolescence, also known as youth, refers to the transitional period between puberty and full adult status, roughly covering the teenage years.

However, many pre-industrial societies do not recognise it separately. Instead, once puberty begins, young people undergo rites of passage – ceremonial rituals that mark their entry into adulthood.

Examples of rites of passage in pre-industrial societies

• For girls: Older women teach skills related to marriage and household management.
• For boys: Training focuses on adult roles, such as hunting or farming.

These practices lead directly to adult responsibilities.

Social construction of young adulthood

Young adulthood generally spans from leaving the parental home to the onset of middle age. This stage emphasises gaining independence and assuming personal responsibilities for the first time.

Key features of young adulthood include taking on responsibilities like paying rent or being faithful in a relationship.

Social construction of middle age

Middle age is often associated with peak social status, as people in this group typically hold the most wealth and power in society, according to Bradley in 1996.

Indicators and challenges of middle age include children growing up and leaving home, which may free up resources for leisure activities. Sometimes, middle age might be characterised by psychological doubts, symbolised by a 'mid-life crisis'.

Social construction of old age

Old age is frequently portrayed negatively in UK culture, where youthful appearances are idealised, and ageing bodies are seen as representing ugliness, as observed by Roberts.

In contrast, traditional or pre-industrial societies often grant older individuals high status and respect, valuing their wisdom and experience as community resources.

Corner, in a 1999 study, found that many elderly people subscribe to a negative self-identity, with many describing themselves as a 'burden'.

Infantilisation and similarities to childhood

Hockey and James, sociologists writing in 1993, argue that old age and childhood are socially constructed in similar ways, with both groups experiencing infantilisation – being treated as helpless and dependent, rather than as independent individuals.

Hockey and James' research shows that residential care homes for older people deliberately maintain dependency.

These homes can function as total institutions – enclosed environments that control all aspects of residents' lives, including finances, daily routines, and personal activities like bathing or dressing. This control strips away personal identity.

Consequences of infantilisation

It leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where labelled individuals eventually conform to expectations. A self-fulfilling prophecy is a process in which a label predicts future behaviour, and because people internalise it, they begin to act accordingly.

For example, independent older people in care homes may eventually succumb to the institution's definition of an 'ideal inmate'.

Postmodern perspectives on the different stages of old age

• The 'young old' (aged 65–74)
• The 'middle-aged old' (aged 75–84)
• The 'old old' (aged 85+)

Postmodernists suggest that age identities are evolving due to longer lifespans.

Changing age identities in society

Featherstone and Hepworth, sociologists, argue that media representations of ageing are becoming less derogatory and condescending.

As a result, age identity may be growing more fluid and less significant.