Sociology / Unit 7 Soc 1150 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Exchange Theory of Aging
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The idea
Exchange theory of aging holds that as people age they have fewer resources to offer in return, increasing their dependence on others' goodwill.
In practice
An elder who manages an inheritance or provides child care retains leverage in relationships that exchange theory predicts would otherwise weaken.
Where people slip
Critics argue the theory overweights material exchange and undervalues nonmaterial bonds such as love and loyalty.
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