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41 J. Soc. & Soc. Welfare 143 (2014)
Goffman and the Infantilization of Elderly Persons: A Theory in Development

handle is hein.journals/jrlsasw41 and id is 713 raw text is: Goffman and the Infantilization of Elderly Persons: A Theory in Development STEPHEN M. MARSON Gerontology Program University of North Carolina at Pembroke RASBY M. POWELL Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice University of North Carolina at Pembroke Infantilization is a behavioral pattern in which a person of author- ity interacts with, responds to, or treats an elderly person in a child-like manner. This paper uses Erving Goffman's theories as a framework from which to analyze the reasons for and the results of infantilization of elderly residents in partial and total institutions (i.e., adult day care centers and nursing homes). First, we review the literature on infantilization. Next, we offer a brief summary of Goffman's work and delineate his major theoretical assumptions. Then, we analyze the process of infantilization through Goffnan's theories. Finally, we offer suggestions for advancing research using Goffman's premises. This paper asks whether infantiliza- tion can produce symptoms of dementia in institutionalized elders. If Goffman is correct, the answer may be yes. Six researchable propositions are offered to test Goffman's theoretical framework. Key words: Infantilization, Goffman, Dramaturgical Model, De- mentia, Institutional Living Elder residents of partial institutions such as adult day care centers (see Salari, 2005) and total institutions (see Goffman, 1961) such as nursing homes experience many undeniable ben- efits. Adult day care centers and nursing homes provide much needed professional care that families are often ill equipped to provide. At the same time, elders also experience negative Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, December 2014, Volume XLI, Number 4 143

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