Question

Symbolic interactionists believe that the social value of the elderly in america ________ when the economy shifted being agricultural to industrial.

Answer 1

Symbolic interactionists believe that the social value of the elderly in America decreased when the economy shifted being agricultural to industrial. 
This may be completely true - industrial era means more use of technology, and usually, the elderly aren't that keen on using new technology. This also means that they are less and less relevant when it comes to the social life in America which is always growing and developing.