ABSTRACT
Ind iv idua l aging takes place w i th in the context of the social structure. Its process and its problems can be understood only i n relation to that structure, and differences i n the experience of aging i n different societies can be explained p r imar i ly by systematic delineation of the structural differences between those societies. A t each stage of the life cycle the ind iv idua l belongs to certain social sub-groups and associations. H e has relationships wi th members of the family, neighbors, and friends or colleagues at school or at work-whether these relationships are of the type ind iv idua l -wi th - ind iv idua l or of the type individual-wi th-group. H e performs a variety of roles as ch i ld , schoolchild, apprentice, employee, craftsman, husband or wife, breadwinner, parent, grandparent, pensioner, patient, and so on. H e commands certain resources and benefits according to the over-all dis t r ibut ion of such resources and benefits among the different strata, sub-groups, and individuals of society. A n d , briefly, he holds certain standards of conduct and value w h i c h reflect his relationships, roles, and command over resources and w h i c h interrelate w i t h the complex of norms and values governing social organizat ion and action. D u r i n g the later as m u c h as dur ing the earlier stages of the life cycle, his experiences, activities, and even his attitudes w i l l be shaped by the social structure o f wh ich he finds himself part.
