Personal identity (see [Personal] Identity Theory), the most elementary of the four identities, was pioneered by American sociological social psychologists (SSPs), particularly Sheldon Stryker. SSPs emphasize how demographic, social, and cultural factors affect human social interaction.
Gerontology, as defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is âthe comprehensive study of aging and the problems of the aged.â Many people confuse gerontology with geriatrics. Whereas geriatrics focuses strictly on the medical conditions and disease of the aging, gerontology is a multidisciplinary study that incorporates biology, psychology and sociology. Because gerontology deals with multi-faceted aspects of aging, gerontology professionals can be found in a variety of industries including health care, government, nonprofits and the business community.
Types of Work Environments in Gerontology. There are a variety of career paths in gerontology. Branches of this study include teaching, research, government as well as working in the health care sector. Some of these environments include work in nursing homes, hospitals, public health offices, and mental health and rehabilitation centers.