Case Study with Activity 

Consider the following case scenario: Lottie is a 69-year-old widow who currently lives alone. Her flat is on the fifth floor of a tower block in a fairly run down area of the city. Lottie has limited social contacts and has always been very independent; however, recently her health has deteriorated and her GP is concerned that she is finding it difficult to manage at home. It is evident that Lottie’s self-care is poor at the moment and her home environment is no longer what it was. Support at home has been offered, but Lottie has refused.

How would an understanding of sociology help you in your assessment of Lottie?

You should consider, amongst other matters, social structures, gender, class, power, status, inequality (see Chapter 5) and stigma.