SOCIAL MODELS OF AGING

Social Models of aging deal with changes over the life course. Using a loose definition of model, this paper reviews models under the follow ing classification: Allocation models; Construction of the Life Course models; Personality and Socialization models; and Negotiation models. Differences between and within these models are explored, with partic ular reference to the issue of determinism and the conceptualization o f social structure. The life course perspective is recognized as hegem onic in contemporary theorizing about aging, but it is seen as itself embracing diverse models.