This document discusses the social construction of age and identity at different life stages: childhood, youth, middle-age, and elderly. It notes that while there are biological differences associated with age, our identity and how we are treated is largely shaped by societal responses and expectations. For each life stage, the document asks the reader to consider physical features and capabilities based on biology as well as how sociologists describe the social constructions of that age. It directs the reader to review a video clip and consider what may seem odd about the people depicted and why, and to use the provided information to create a work analyzing the four stages of life from a sociological perspective.

1. Identity and AgeChildYouthMiddle - AgeElderlyEach of the above is a stage of life. For each one write down what biological/physical features you would associate with each one. Think about how they look and what they would be likely to be able to do/not do.

2. Watch the clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2dsfwHjCTM&feature=related (1min 40 – 5mins) and whilst it is on be thinking about if and why the people on it seem odd at all.What is odd about them – the way they look, the way they dress, act speak etc.

3. Social ConstructionMany sociologists say that “age” is a social construction.They agree of course that there are some biological differences associated with different stages of life – but...... Our identity is mostly affected by how people respond to our age and physical/biological age, and not by our own responses and reactions to our age.Many pensioners are as physically and mentally capable as younger people but are generally treated as if they are inferior in both respects.

4. Social Constructions of Age

5. Use the notes I have given you to produce a piece of work on each of the four stages of life as outlined by sociologists.It is up to you how to produce and present it – plain notes, poster, revision cards etc. but try wherever possible to include references to what specific sociologists or perspectives say about each one.