Ageism

Discrimination Against Age

Ageism, like racism and sexism, is a type of discrimination. It is differential treatment of specific age groups based largely on associated stereotypes and prejudices.

Introduction


Ageism is an often overlooked type of discrimination with potentially serious effects on society. This Knol will define the meaning of ageism and its causes. It will then explain ageism against children, adolescents, young adults, middle-aged individuals, and elderly people. After each section, I will offer a personal sentiment on the issue and finish the article with a conclusion.

Meaning

Ageism, or agism, is a prejudice or discrimination against an individual or group in society due to their age. A prejudice is a preconceived mentality, judgement, or opinion that may have no reason nor basis. Discrimination is the expression of prejudice resulting in differential treatment of different groups or individuals in society. This may include unjust behaviors, actions, language(s) and degrading terms, or limitations restricting another's rights. A person who participates in and supports ageism is called an ageist. 

Traditionally, ageism referred exclusively to discrimination against elderly people. More recently, that definition has been expanded to fit a larger variety of ages, including youths. However, the word "ageism" is still commonly used to focus on discrimination against the middle-aged and elderly. When referring specifically to ageism against youths and young people, the term "adultism" is used.

Etymology

The word "ageism" is formed from the root word "age" followed by the suffix "-ism". The suffix "-ism" denotes that the word refers to a type of discrimination. The term was coined by Robert Neil Butler [2] in 1975 [11] to describe discrimination against seniors, or people of old age. He named it such because it followed the same patterns of discrimination as racism and sexism.

Causes


Ageism usually begins when a group of people within society are deemed by others as less important because of their age. This opinion is often based on prejudice and stereotypes against particular age groups.

For example, elderly members of society are often seen as more dependent and weaker than other age groups, and therefore contribute less to society. This mentality may begin with thoughts against individuals, growing into generalizations and eventually a stereotype. Society is then affected by the stereotype, causing people to begin to think and expect that all "old" people are less capable. Because of this, people often resent these members of society and act with hostility towards them, which may result in violence.

The same pattern occurs for different age groups. Because of these patterns and similarities in discrimination to racism and sexism, it is often associated with them. However, possibly due to general acceptance, this type of discrimination is usually given less attention.

Ageism Against Children


Children are often subject to ageism based on both negative and positive stereotypes, and often entirely openly. Any person under the age of consent is labelled as a "minor", implying a lower status and importance. While there are many justifications for this, there are groups of society that have taken this to the level of discrimination and see children as sub-members of society. In this sense, children are worthless and exploitable because of their lack of development and knowledge. Another term that can be used to describe ageism against children and young people specifically is "adultism". Adultism is, like ageism, a prejudice based on age. However, adultism only refers to the prejudice or discrimination shown to youths by adults.

Common ways that ageism is shown against children include calling something "childish" (homologous to how calling something "gay" is sexist), when public and paid services ignore or refuse to serve children, and the association of uncivilized actions to children.

Ageist acts against children has the potential to afflict the more harm upon society, as children live and grow with the results of this discrimination. Essentially, people are hurting the world of tomorrow when discriminating children because they will become the adults and leaders of society.

Ageism Based on Negative Stereotypes

Children are often treated as "just children" because of their lack of exposure to society and ignorance; their opinions and ideas are often ignored because of their age. People often feel that children are physically weak, inexperienced, incapable of complex thoughts and feelings, selfish, or only know how to play ("children don't work"). Children are also thought to be incapable of emotions other than happiness or desire. When discriminated because of this, children may be permanently psychologically and/or physically harmed.

Common forms of ageism against children include age restrictions. While some are well-intended and for safety, others are because of the prejudice that children will damage something or hurt others. Many freedoms that adults have are not accessible to children. Again, while some are for justified reasons, others are completely arbitrary and give evidence of ageism.

Perhaps one of the major reasons that ageism is overlooked or accepted is that many cultures enforce or are ageist against children by tradition. This may include corporal punishment, child labour and abuse, social rules (restrictions on what children may do in public or in the presence of company), among many others. In English, there are even many common expressions that have roots in ageism, such as "you're kidding me" or "treating me like a baby". 


Psychological Harm

When ageism based on negative stereotypes against children harms them psychologically, they may develop into people that are emotionally and mentally scarred. Discouraging words and actions against them, due to their age, damages their self-image and may leave them permanently hurt; they may never fully recover.

Many people see no problems in treating children as "children", that is, to talk to them condescendingly and ignore their contributions. While this may seem acceptable in the earliest years of life, children are still human, and as such, have basic human needs of communion. Just as water, air, and food are basic requirements, so are acknowledgement, encouragement and communication. Many of these psychological exposures contribute greatly to a child's development and eventual personality.

Adults often see the depth of a child's physical development as indicative of the depth of the child's intellectual and emotional breadth. However, the two are separate, and may develop asynchronously, as will be described in "Ageism Against Gifted Children". While a child's emotional range may change as he/she develops, the fundamental emotions and feelings of all humans are still present. For example, just as physical pain is present in any age, so is emotional pain.

Therefore just as a physical injury may leave scars, psychological injuries may leave emotional scars that may never be removed. Varying levels of psychological harm may result in:

  • A loss of confidence and integrity
  • A low self-image
  • A low self-esteem
  • A negative outlook on life, lowered optimism
  • Depression
  • Undirected Anger
  • Anxiety and Stress
  • A violent personality
  • Inability to maintain healthy relationships with individuals of other age groups

There are many more possibilities, and it is possible to have many of these results at once. Often, ageism against children will lead to psychological harm more than physical harm. As this behavior may be seen as normal, the child may grow to be an abusive adult and also be ageist from the negative influences.

A child's development into an adult is affected by their experiences and relationships with individuals around them. When all the relationships and experiences that a child has are violent or discouraging, the child develops to see no meaning having relationships and becomes increasingly withdrawn. As an adult, the individual may make choices and have behaviors that harm others and his/herself.

Physical Harm

Discrimination against children leading to physical violence may be minor or severe. Often, physical harm is accompanied by psychological harm. Severe physical violence may cripple a child, marring their part of their potential as an adult.

Ageism Based on Positive Stereotypes

Most often completely overlooked, children are sometimes seen as the epitome of innocence, due to their lack of exposure to the "outside world". Some adults feel that exposing them to society will contaminate their "purity" and take away their innocence. They will often justify their actions as being protective and that the individual is "just a kid." Parents will then, perhaps unintentionally, practice ageism.

By protecting them excessively and controlling their exposure to society, media, and other forms of communication, parents and adults are sometimes damaging their children. If children grow up never experiencing loss, pain, or lack of control, they will not be independent and confident. As adults, this may result in:

  • Pride ("spoiled") 
  • Megalomaniac personality 
  • Ignorance or lack of awareness of what occurs around them 
  • Confusion when not everything is as they expect
  • Depression when they discover that the world is imperfect
  • Being shocked and overwhelmed at sudden exposure to numerous new ideas, thoughts and suggestions
  • Laziness or resistance to physical labour

Children cannot successfully develop into capable, independent adults if they are "spoiled rotten" by over-protection or lack of exposure. Life cannot always be happy, as a fundamental way to grow and mature is to experience pain. While parents are obligated to protect their children, they must also ensure that they learn how to problem-solve independently.

Ageism Against Gifted Children

Gifted children may be especially sensitive to ageism because of their unique developmental patterns. The term "gifted" can defined as:
 asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine
 to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This
 asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity. The uniqueness of the gifted renders them
 particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching and counseling in order for
 them to develop optimally. Columbus Group, 1991 [1]
Because gifted children develop differently, ageism may be particularly harmful to them psychologically because they feel further unacknowledged. The fact that their intelligence or need to learn is often ignored coupled with the discrimination of ageism leaves them unfulfilled. In addition, because they develop asynchronously, they may react as intensely as an adult if spoken to condescendingly or treated like a "baby".

Gifted children may feel especially victimized because they can understand the justifications of many laws meant to protect children and young people, but also have the feelings of unfairness in them. They may feel it is unfair because age may not always be indicative of one's intellectual ability. This is obvious particularly, for example, in people with mental disabilities. While some may argue that this is an exception, it is not; it is just a magnification of the idea that age does not come with wisdom. 

Gifted children may form many arguments that challenge stereotypes against children. What dictates when someone has reached a level of maturity qualified to make his/her own decisions? Is there a concrete "age of consent"? Because society consists of a variety of individuals, each person develops differently; at an independent rate. A person does not suddenly gain knowledge and experience at a certain date when they reach the "age of consent"; the two are independent.

When generalizations and assumptions are made that all children lack the ability to make independent decisions, and thus are not full members of society, it is an opinion based entirely on prejudice; it fuels intense responses from gifted children. This, of course, is not limited to just gifted children, nor do all gifted children feel this way.

Personal Sentiment

Children are developing humans. Although their intelligence and awareness may be limited, or their experience is lacking, they are capable of sharing thoughts and feelings. Cultural traditions or prejudice have been passed down that are detrimental to children and their development. Are children not going to eventually be adults? Were adults not once children? Yes, an adult may be superior in ability to children, but that has no effect on whether or not they are better or worth more. By abusing and discriminating children, adults are being negative role models and are lacking in foresight. As people age and once again become dependent, who be responsible for their needs? There must be mutual trust and communication between all sides for children to properly develop.

Children are not useless. They can offer a neutral point of view to many issues and scenarios. To many, they are the embodiment of purity and innocence. While this may be taken to the extreme by some, others are willingly harming them to have them "grow up". Does "growing up" mean to lose one's innocence or suffer without a positive direction? To an extent, yes, but there must be a balance found. Just as adults work hard to earn a living, children also need to endure some pain to mature. If adults do nothing but work and ignore their basic needs, they will not be successful. It is the same in children; if they are only exposed to the negativity of the world, or are "spoiled" with nothing but positivity and over-nurturing, they lack balance and will not develop successfully. Why are people so unwilling to learn from their own pains of the past and willing to hurt their own future?

Ageism Against Adolescents


Ageism against adolescents is accompanied by more intense feelings than ageism against children. In this context, "adolescents" refers to primarily to teenagers and "young" adults. Because adolescents are transitioning to adulthood, they are more vocal than children, though not always as mature as adults. As some adolescents sometimes express their feelings in controversial ways, there is a considerable volume of negative stereotypes surrounding the adolescent age group.

Ways that ageism against adolescents may be expressed include reduced pay and limited job opportunities in the workforce, lack of trust in an adolescent's opinion in a variety of situations (including testimonies in court), and outright hatred and intolerance. Often, an adolescent's ideas or contributions are ignored by adults. Adults do so without justification or acknowledgement because they do not feel it is worth telling someone who "doesn't care".

Mutual Misinterpretations

Adolescents are seen by many as "children in adult bodies". While this may initially seem true, adolescents display a larger variety of different behaviors and approach new ideas more skeptically. While many children may naturally trust whatever they are told, adolescents begin to display skepticism and challenge ideas. While making arguments can be seen as a positive trait, adults may interpret this as opposition to their authority. When adults react with hostility, adolescents may feel unacknowledged, and sometimes respond with great intensity.

Because adolescents' approaches towards solving a problem may not always be fully developed, they may often respond to hostility with even greater hostility because they believe they have been wronged. This may be expressed as physical violence, opposition to authority, etc. Adults may interpret this newfound antagonism as a trait of the adolescent from the beginning. However, in reality this response is for their lack of acknowledgement from adults. This misconception fuels some of the stereotypes of adolescents, such as believing that adolescents in general are naturally antagonistic.

This stereotype is often coupled with the fact that adolescents begin to value their peers more than their family. Parents may interpret this as opposition to authority, but adolescents are searching for their identity. When stereotypes that adolescents oppose authority with the simultaneous distancing from parents combine, it seems that this detachment is a result of the adolescent's opposition to authority. In reality, the individual is merely seeking new experiences and attempting new things to find his/her preferences and identity. When parents and adults misinterpret this, the individual feels misunderstood; and in their emotional state, sometimes turn to the "wrong" choices. This may include using illicit drugs, joining organized crime, etc.

Reasons For Negative Adolescent Behavior

When this behavior ensues, adults interpret what they see as antagonism and succumbing to peer pressure as characteristics of all adolescents. They may fail to see the emotional and social drive that they have; again, the fundamental human need of communion. Adolescents, like children and adults, need communication. If they wish to be understood, they need attention for this to happen. Their attempts are not always acceptable to society, but to adolescents it may be enjoyable because they know that they have the attention of others. So the mantra chants, "All press is good press."

There are many cases in which adolescents do not reach out and communicate with their parents or other adults very easily. This is because they feel that communicating with their parents and elders will benefit them (perhaps to rampant ageism around them), since they feel that adults will ignore or disappoint them. Therefore, adolescents will not always simply "talk". Because adolescents' communication methods, or "people skills", may not be fully developed, what adults naturally see as the "better thing to do" is not obvious to adolescents. Instead, they will try alternative methods to search for their preferences and identity. Again, this is seen by adults as opposition to authority and antagonistic behavior.

Not all adolescent behavior, of course, is for attention, as adults and adolescents may know. Because adolescents are searching for their identity, they need to know their preferences. Thus, they attempt and risk many new things. Some things are attempted that adults either discourage doing, or explicitly forbid. Discouraged and forbidden objects rouses curiosity and skepticism from adolescents, and they may ignore an adult's warning. Again, this is interpreted as opposition to authority.

All of this contributes to stereotypes that dictate that adolescents are violent, immature, ignorant people, etc. Therefore, many adults immediately have prejudices against adolescents based on their age. Thus, they treat them with hostility or expect them to act antagonistically. Adolescents simply react to what they see as cruelty or abusive authority similarly to how adults react - they act against the oppression.

Age and Intelligence

As previously mentioned, an individual's emotional range and intelligence grows independently from physical development. Assumptions that adolescents lack genuine ability is based on prejudice; further, these abilities need to be acknowledged and allowed to develop through the support of adults.

Personal Sentiment

Adolescents are not antagonistic, authority-defying "kids". No adolescent is truly a "bad person". Yet stereotypes, pressure from media, and adolescents' developing curiosity all cause many to think that adolescents are a troublesome age group. Again, will these adolescents not eventually become adults? Were adults not once adolescents? 

I once read on a website about a person who claimed to have been discriminated because of ageism [6]. The person was charged for "obstruction of justice"; even though during the trial the his testimony was never contradicted. The prosecutor even said that the "young man ... has been watching too much TV." The trial's jury was consisted of aging men and women, whom, as the man wrote the prosecutor "was counting on the jury's TV-viewing to deliver the verdict...". Whether or not this story is factual, there are very real facts underneath: many adults base their opinions on what they see in the media. The media often manipulates things to be more "interesting" by selectively showing only the most extreme content. Because not all people are skeptical of what they view on television (especially the news), they believe what they see and assume there is no other perspective to think upon. This is a primary driver of stereotypes about adolescents and I find it incredibly embarrassing that fully-developed adults fail to be more skeptical of material presented to them on any topic, let alone something they have experienced.

Ageism Against Young Adults


Individuals in their twenties and thirties, as seen by society, are in their "prime-age". While it may seem incredible that there may be ageism against this particular age group, there is a significant amount of overlooked expectations and generalizations for these individuals.

Ageism Based on Positive Stereotypes and Expectations

Young adults are expected by society to be in their peak of physical fitness, mental acuity, and rising financial success. If individuals fail to meet these expectations, society often deems them as failures and unable to improve, as they have already "wasted their prime years". This disappointment is passed on to the individual, who feels the pressure of society calling them to improve. When one fails to meet expectations, he/she feels incompetent and worthless. This may lead to psychological disorders and low self-esteem.

As many of these individuals have also just finished their education or job training, their range of choices in life is greatly expanded. Young adults are often searching for a stable career and starting a family. Financial pressure may be high as people need to earn enough money to generate mortgage payments, return loans for education, and maintain their regular lifestyle. Society often shows disdain if an individual is not capable of doing so independently. People who find a spouse and start a family after their "prime years" are also treated with disparagement. This intimidates many who wish to be successful and causes them to have anxiety.

Resulting Problems from Failure to Meet Expectations

When individuals fail to meet the expectations of society, the possibly resulting discouragement may result in the following problems and psychological disorders:

  • Lowered self-esteem, confidence
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders (for feelings of being overweight or underweight)
    • Anorexia (and variants)
    • Overeating
    • Binge-Eating Disorder
  • Excessive exercise in order to look fit
  • Loss of interest
  • Feeling of Lack of Direction in Life
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Suicidal Thoughts

Ageism Based on Prejudice

Many employers prefer to hire employees with extensive job "experience" and specialized knowledge. While this is justified, it does not exclude young workers. Contrary to that, people in their "prime-years" should be able to do jobs most effectively if the stereotypes of a individual's mental acuity and physical fitness are true. However, rather than taking the risk of hiring someone fully qualified but young (and therefore having "less experience"), an employer still prefers an older and more refined worker.

Again, as previously stated, knowledge does not come with age. Young people are certainly intelligent enough, 
and many have just received fresh education in order to obtain specialized knowledge. In fact, perhaps due to lack of experience (and thus haven't adjusted to common work problems), a new worker can see inefficiencies in old 
work practices and improve upon them; or contribute new creative ideas. However, these qualifications are largely ignored and usually unjustified; the 
lack of faith from employers comes directly from prejudice. This has recently been compared to sex discrimination in the workforce and subsequent Sex Discrimination Act in the 20th century [5]. Young workers today are vocalizing how they feel that their treatment in the workforce is similar to the discrimination and occupational stereotyping in the prior to the mid-20th century.

Ironically, the positive stereotypes of individuals in their "prime years" being at the peak of physical and mental ability seemingly contradict the prejudices that the same people lack sufficient job experience or knowledge in the workforce.

Personal Sentiment

It is interesting to see that positive stereotypes become an expectation, which puts negative pressure on individuals. 
First of all, I find it almost amusing that the same people whose expectations exert pressure on these individuals to meet society's qualifications for people in their "prime years" also refuse to offer jobs to the same people because they say they lack either the ability or experience. Young adults that are hard-working and talented enough to vocalize this discrimination against them, in my opinion, deserve a job that fits their ability. Is it not logical to put what people see as the most talented people into important jobs?

If not, why not? Why exert such pressure on these individuals to meet expectations if they are not awarded for their efforts? The amount of pressure that many of these individuals feel from every side leaves them frustrated and depressed. Those that do meet expectations often are not applauded for their ability, they are simply there to reinforce the stereotype.

Ageism Against the Middle-aged


Middle-aged individuals are thought to be past their "prime years", as physical degeneration begins to show noticeable signs and new social developments begin. There is some controversy over when people should begin to be labelled as "middle-aged", though many define the period as between the ages of 40 and 60.

People in their middle ages commonly have found stable jobs, though this may vary depending on the demographics of the area. Towards the end of this period in life, however, there may be pressure to retire. There are innumerable stereotypes surrounding this age group, even to the point of dread from youth of reaching such a stage. These prove to be the foundation of ageism against middle-aged citizens.

Ageism Based on Negative Stereotypes

The middle-age group is surrounded by many negative stereotypes, with many of them targeting middle-aged individuals' aging and physical degeneration. Many of these stereotypes are separated to attack specific genders.

Negative Stereotypes Against the Middle-aged Male

Men in their middle ages are surrounded my many stereotypes that focus on their physical attributes, personality, and character.

Because many men after their "prime years" lose their physical fitness, their bodies begin to accumulate excess fat due to lack of exercise. Thus, the generalized image of a middle-aged man is an overweight, bald, unhygienic, and lazy "couch potato". The negative image has been amplified and manipulated by the media to portray "typical" men as unattractive, arrogant people.

In addition to physical unattractiveness, many personality traits are associated with middle-aged males. Men in this age group are seen as arrogant, controlling, lazy, possessing a lack of honesty or gentleness, etc. These generalizations further undermine the image of a middle-aged man, generating great spite from other age groups; fueling ageism.

Negative character traits are also often connected to middle-aged men, such as a lack of hygiene, tendencies to have affairs with women other than their spouses, being an alcoholic, possessing a lack of intelligence, and many others. More recently, media portrayals of men also give negative images of poor psychological and physical health (such as the risk of heart attacks), and numerous negative stereotypes on sexual behaviors (e.g. pedophiles).

Altogether, many activities that middle-aged men can participate in are dealt with ageist behaviors; including in sports and fitness, jobs in entertainment, etc. These stereotypes cause the remaining age groups of society to feel uncomfortable around males of this age. They dread aging to such a level and give evidence of ageism.

Negative Stereotypes Against the Middle-aged Female

Women are thought to lose their physical attractiveness with age; individuals in this age group who have not committed to a relationship are highly disdained. Coupled with their deteriorating chances of fertility, women at this age are seen as weaker members of society, with no potential for improvement or contributions.

Housewives at this stage of life are also treated with indifference, many ageist ideas suggest that they outlive their usefulness after their children have grown independent. It is also seen as a disgrace in society for a young man to have a relationship with a woman older than himself. Women at older ages in the workforce are also met with ageist responses; female individuals in entertainment industries are met with hostility. Beauty pageants and other similar contests have an age limit because of ageism. As the individual ages, she may be asked to retire from her career.

Individuals fighting against these stereotypes are criticized and verbally attacked by society, often without justification.

Personal Sentiment

If these ageist stereotypes also sound sexist, it is because the two are highly similar. Both follow homologous patterns of discrimination and hatred.

Living as a middle-aged citizen is not universally negative. Many assert that with hard work and preparation, this period in life can even be the "golden years" of life, because there is less financial pressure, work is relatively less intensive, and the individual may have more time and a family. Many people in this stage of life are completely opposite in nature to the stereotypes described above, and are fit, honest, and successful people. It is unfair and discriminatory for jobs to have an age limit. People invest great efforts to earn their jobs and qualifications. They cannot be "too old" to be skillful or knowledgeable in something. Does age suddenly cause someone to lose intelligence? As described before, physical development is independent of emotional and intellectual development; age is not indicative of intelligence nor character traits. However, despite this, many people dread entering this age group or being associated with people of that age. 

Ageism Against the Elderly


Discrimination against the elderly is the most widely publicized form of ageism. Indeed, the original meaning of ageism was limited to refer specifically to the treatment of elderly people. Society's attitude towards aging is negative; the label of being "old" is also seen as a handicap. Because it is commonly thought that a person's talent and value peaks in the "prime years" during their twenties and thirties, being called "old" implies that the individual is no longer talented and valuable. Dr. N. Butler, the gerontologist who originally coined the term "ageism", observed that younger people often "cease to identify with their elders as human beings [7]."

Being called "old" is interpreted as a dehumanizing term. Because they may not contribute in as many public affairs as "regular adults", they are often less valuable to others. To many in society, elderly people have outlived their usefulness and are disposable citizens [7]. 

No unlike the ageism against adolescents, there are many misinterpretations of actions and characteristics of elderly people by children and adults. For example, when elderly people are unsure of themselves, they are declared as infirm, or senile. When they miss a statement, they are accused of being old, instead of having difficulty hearing. When showing distaste, they are called "cranky" [9]. 

Many of these can harm people and lead to depression or even suicide later in life.

Ageism Based on Negative Stereotypes

Similar to how many adults view children and adolescents negatively, many children and adolescents view adults and elderly people negatively. This may be especially true of people developing in a different culture than that of previous generations in their family.

Children and adolescents may see elderly individuals as judging, disdainful, hypocritical, and prideful. In addition to these personality traits, physical and character traits often associated with these people include deteriorated physical appearances, frail bodies, lacking common interests with children, crankiness, and differential treatment of people of both different or same age groups.

Adults in other age groups also base their opinions on a number of negative stereotypes. For example, due to their physical frailty, they may be dependent on assistance in mobility, preparation of food, etc. Also, due to their "deteriorating intelligence", they are incapable of making independent decisions in public and/or personal affairs. This may include voting, owning financial property, or living independently. A very common stereotype also claims that most elderly people are either unhealthy or ill. Adults see all this as irritating, a negative attitude that is often translated into their ageist actions.

Common (false) stereotypes that cause fear of aging and hostility towards elderly people include [9]:

  • Mental Deficiency/Deterioration
  • Ugliness
  • Isolation from Society and Family
  • Uselessness
  • Impotency
  • Physical Frailty

Subsequent Ageist Actions

As a result of these stereotypes, many people discriminate elderly people. This is prevalent in the media, social attitudes, and the workforce.

In the media, elderly people are often portrayed as a generalized character representing the stereotypes against the age group. On television, these are dependent, nasty people abusing their authority and are ignorant of their surroundings.

Society contains a negative view of elderly people living and acting independently. It is commonly assumed that elderly people in public areas are accompanied by younger adults, including buying groceries, walking for leisure, etc. Such generalizations are hurtful to citizens in this age group. Elderly people living alone are often suggested to move into retirement homes, which are labelled as a sign of being subordinate members of society. People assume that all elderly people need to accept that they are aging, and minor mistakes by an individual are interpreted as major problems of all "old" people.

Elderly people volunteering or working are often unappreciated. People who continue to work at this age are often requested to forced to retire, due to "disproportional experience". Forced retirement is frequently a major topic when ageism is being discussed or debated. To many, it is a prime example of actions spurred by ageism.

Many insults are also associated with elderly people; some of these insults include "geezer", "old hag", "dirty old man", or "old goat" [9].

Ageism Based on Positive Stereotypes

Ageism based on positive stereotypes has not received the same amount of study as ageism on negative stereotypes. Elderly people are also held by some in positive light, such as the generalization that wisdom and experience comes with age. As described a number of times in this article, age is not indicative of intelligence or wisdom. This also contradicts a negative stereotype that elderly people are unaware of issues around them.

With positive stereotypes may come expectation from society, though the effect on individuals of this age group may not be comparable to those of individuals in their "prime years". However, perhaps because of the generalizations that elderly people are unknowing and therefore more innocent, society oftentimes rejects holding people in this age groups as suspects in crimes. Because of positive stereotypes surrounding elderly people, individuals may exploit this and commit crimes without others expecting. For example, positive stereotypes of elderly women include seeing them all as compassionate, caring people. However, this is not true of all elderly people, nor are elderly people unfit or lacking in mental acuity. Most are capable of regular physical work. Yet they are exempted from many things that individuals of other age groups are subject to; either positive (participating in public decisions) or negative (exempted from some laws).

Personal Sentiment

Theories and recent acts against ageism were all initially focused on discrimination against individuals of this age group. Who benefits from this discrimination? Will not all humans naturally age? Are not elderly people human? Elderly people have experiences and talents to contribute. Elderly people can also continually adapt. Many have embraced the introduction of new technology; many are more skillful than "able-bodied" adults. Also, the justification that elderly people have "disproportional experience", a common excuse for laying off or disemploying older workers, is completely groundless. Having workers with more experience to contribute is a good thing, especially when they can teach younger workers.

Many elderly people have experienced war, seen the rise and fall of governments and economies, and been a part of revolutions. They have helped shape what the world is today (for better or for worse) and many should be commended. To accuse them of being ignorant of "policies" is insulting and downgrading. Furthermore, many elder citizens grew up in cultures that discriminated children because of their age, and so understand the pain. As they have lived as children, adolescents, middle-aged individuals and elderly citizens, they may have experienced each of the different expressions of ageism. Such valuable experiences should not go to waste; in fact, they may have the sufficient knowledge to formulate strategies to combat ageism in every form.

In many ways, elderly people are treated as children. Their contributions are ignored, they are not seen as intelligent people,  nor viewed as physically capable. Adults do not magically transform into dependent, caring, and mentally blunt people when they reach a certain age. They remain people; people with emotions and contributions.

Many successful people have continued to be successful as they aged, and broadened their interested and pursuits. Some contribute most in their final years of life. Ageism has no place against elderly citizens.

Conclusion


Children are ignored. Adolescents are not trusted. Young adults are pressured with expectations or are seen to lack the experience. Middle-aged individuals are lazy and arrogant. Elderly people are incapable and dying. There is mutual hatred between all the age groups.

That is the message that ageism has. No person is free from hatred or discrimination. Yet ageism is not commonly seen as a form of discrimination. Just as people of different races were not seen as equal humans in racism, or how different genders were not seen as of equal value in sexism, different ages are of differing importance in ageism. Racism is still not eliminated from society, nor is sexism. But at least there is public awareness surrounding both issues; whereas ageism is hardly even addressed. People need to be aware.

There are now many movements and organizations formed to enforce equity between all age groups, including youth empowerment missions, elderly rights, etc. Student activism and global awareness programs are internationally supported by many political parties around the world.

Possible Solutions

  1. Society needs to be aware of a problem before it can approach it. People need to first be informed of what ageism is and its effects on society. Public movements similar to those that fought racism and sexism may be effective.
  2. As media is a common perpetuator of ageism and other forms of discrimination, it can also be used for the opposite effect. Programs or special messages that communicate what ageism is and ways it is expressed can bring much more awareness to a large audience.
  3. Leaders who wish to win public favor can remove upper-age limits on jobs and change policies for younger people applying for occupations. Discrimination in the workforce is a major topic in ageism, similar to racism and sexism. 
  4. More research and large-scale studies should be carried out to uncover the facts of ageism and help find ways to counteract it.

Reasons Ageist Behaviors Continue

Despite increasing vocalization of discrimination of different age groups, many people and organizations continue ageist practices. Reasons why this continues include that people justify their actions after committing them, society condemns initial resistance, traditions are hard to break, etc.

People Justify Their Actions

Many people are able to justify their actions to block or ignore another's assertions. For example, if an employer of a fast-food restaurant were to deny a job to an adolescent because he did not trust the individual's age group, he could justify that the individual had no previous experience.

When individuals commit a crime, they may frequently argue that they were under the influence of another person or motivated by fear. The same method could be used to justify ageist actions. They could claim to be an accomplice or under the influence of crowd psychology.

Also, as the Milgram experiment concluded [8], the individual could be aware that they are hurting someone, but they pass the responsibility to a person in higher authority to justify their own actions; claiming it was an order. However, whose, then, responsibility is for starting ageism? Anyone who has participated in or enforced ageism under authority or independently is responsible for their own actions and of those they have influenced.

Society Condemns Resistance

Traditions are difficult to violate without consequences, especially when it may be claimed to contribute to a culture. Many traditions of treating different age groups with different attitudes are deeply integrated into society's consciousness. Discrimination may not even seem like discrimination to many; they are only seen as proper treatment of individuals.

Many people are resistant to change. They may react with hostility if confronted with something bold and new. This is particularly difficult if it involves a change of values or perspective.

Lack of Awareness

Society has accepted many forms of ageism and discrimination. People are many times unaware of this, especially when the media does ignores or enforces it.

People have the "Freedom"

People have the right to express their thoughts and feelings. However, when these expression are oppressing others and harming them, it is wrong. As Nelson Mandela [10] said, "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Freedom is not the power to do what we want, but the power to do what we ought. We need to support and respect the freedom of others; not discriminate them.

There are Patterns of Development

Human physical development and to an extent, emotional development follow somewhat patterns. It is convenient to classify people based on their age for statistics, medical study, etc. For these reasons alone, ageism may never be fully eliminated, nor will age be irrelevant [11].

Mistakes are Repeated

Many ageist individuals are people that developed in a society that enforced ageism. Because of this, the individuals may see such treatment of different age groups as normal, and repeat the abuse on the next generation of children. Negative attitudes and mentalities against elderly people and youths of one generation is transferred to the next generation. This is because despite the abuse or disdain that children and youths face, the adults around them are the only role-models available. Children, despite having resentment, still have respect for their guardians and adult figures and follow their examples. Cultural attitudes permeate a child's development and affect his/her behaviors. Because many actions and attitudes appear to be normal, a new generation will unknowingly repeat the mistakes of previous generations.

A Final Example

Since age is not indicative of intellectual development, is the age of the author of this Knol determinable? What age do you speculate is the author of this article?

In truth, I was inspired to write something about this topic since age eight. By age fourteen, I had accumulated the necessary information, but could not find a medium to share my thoughts and opinion. On my first week as a 15 year-old, I independently wrote this Knol over the period of three days. I am proud of my age and am not ashamed to share my thoughts on ageism. The opportunities of all individuals should be equal and fair.

References

  1. K., Carolyn. (2008). Gifted 101: A Guide For First Time Visitors. Published by Hoagies' Gifted Education Page. http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/gifted_101.htm
  2. (2008). Robert N Butler, MD. Published by the International Longevity Center - USA. http://www.ilcusa.org/pages/about-us/president-ceo/robert-n-butler-md.php
  3. Alhonte, M. (1983). The POLITICS of AGEISM: A Statement to the Lesbian and Gay Community. Published by The NAMBLA BULLETIN. http://www.nambla.org/alhonte.htm
  4. Woodward, S. (2007). Ageism - Youth can suffer too. Published by BlueSky Public Relations Ltd. through responsesource. http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=35605&hilite=
  5. The Sex Discrimination Act 1975. A copy can be found at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1975/PDF/ukpga_19750065_en.pdf
  6. http://www.geocities.com/hatredsucks/ageism.html
  7. (2007). Ageism. Published by the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. http://www.cnpea.ca/ageism.htm
  8. Butler-Bowdon, T. (2008). Obedience to Authority. Published through Google Knol. http://knol.google.com/k/tom-butler-bowdon/obedience-to-authority/2l1paxxoh5qsf/2#
  9. Robinson, B. (1994). Ageism Teaching Module. Published by the University of California.
  10. Nelson Mandela Biography and Webpage on Nobel Peace Prize Website. http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1993/mandela-bio.html
  11. Palmore, E.B. (1999). Ageism: Negative and Positive. Published by Springer Publishing Company, USA. http://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Cg4_DTUuV4IC&oi=fnd&pg=PR3&dq=ageism&ots=82vyBdgdhi&sig=9aWPYcDpexnP2k2UZNBHEYAUY6g#PPT11,M1

Comments


Murry Shohat

Impressive but incomplete

Solomon --

Your Knol is impressive. As a member of the most discriminated group, the old fogies, I'd like you to continue your treatise into the region of solutions. It's my belief that ageism begins at home, gets sanctioned at school through a failure to address the subject and receives peer support throughout the course of life.

As a student, do you think that schools should teach the sociology of age discrimination (as well basic parenting and money handling)?

My friends in Scandinavia learn at home that seniors are to be treasured. That's the right place to teach it, in my opinion. Compared with America, where teenagers wonder if grandparents are going to leave them anything in their will.


Last edited Jun 25, 2009 9:16 PM
Report abusive comment

Krishan Maggon

Top Quality Knol

It is a very good article and the type of quality stuff we need in knols.

I hope someone with expertise in Sociology or Psychology can add a review or commentary?

Last edited Mar 25, 2009 12:40 AM
Report abusive comment

Natasha Khan

McCain

I'm 26...but I felt very bad for McCain. America made it clear they would not stand for Racism...but it was ok to be prejudice against age.

brings me back to my go to statement "in america it is ok to be prejudice to three groups of people...Muslims, Homosexuals, and the Old"

Last edited Dec 4, 2008 2:16 PM
Report abusive comment

Samie Luc

Great Article

Fascinating essay Solomon!

(I was facebook stalking you, because you don't seem to like it when I do it in school)

I'm in awe that you actually wrote it. I know you're an excellent idea-come-up-with-er, so this is just an amazing extension of it.

I'm glad you wrote it, it's something that is not commonly discussed, even though it is prominent in all societies.

I was actually having a rough day, fight with Mother dearest and all that, and this article, strangely enough, cheered me up. Thanks.

And stop ducking when I wave to you in the halls.

Last edited Oct 15, 2008 8:01 PM
Report abusive comment

ivanpw

Great exploration about ageism

Solomon,

This is an excellent knol - We all know that ageism is cultural-embedded discrimination that is more damaging than most expect.

I've put up a blog post on your knol at Knol Today, my blog-mag - http://www.knoltoday.com/society/2008/09/12/ageism-the-underrated-discrimination/

Cheers and keep up the excellent work - awaiting for your next knol!

Last edited Sep 12, 2008 4:10 AM
Report abusive comment

MBP Lee

Awesome

Solomon, something does not add up here. You say that you are 15 years of age yet the article, if it is not all copy&paste, shows the maturity of a man of not less than 50 years of age or more. Somewhere along the line you Solomon seem to have lost your childhood. Please go out and play with the other kids, and kick that football around or knock that baseball about, you are too young to be so serious. Tell me please that you are spoofing me about your age. Enjoy life before you become old too soon.

I only skimmed through you article because it is so long. Why have you decided to write such an article? There must have been a reason, and I am particularly interested in the trigger.

Last edited Aug 30, 2008 8:11 PM
Report abusive comment

Anonymous

Yo Solomon

That was a rockin' article! I was just searching bout my ma's weird symtoms, and i think it's what you said in the article. God Bless and keep rockin' that piano!

Last edited Aug 19, 2008 4:40 PM
Report abusive comment

MikeY

Dear Solomon

I am awed by the information you have given, especially for considered age. I am aging and getting more vulnerable to that disease, and feel this informative essay shall I say, helped me a lot. Keep writing articles and good luck with ageism haha.

Last edited Jan 31, 2009 9:27 PM
Report abusive comment
Solomon Tse
Solomon Tse
Student
Ottawa, Canada
Article rating:
Your rating:

Reviews

    Knol translations

    Other authors have translated this knol into:

    Categories

    Activity for this knol

    This week:

    117pageviews

    Totals:

    7522pageviews
    11comments
    ©2009 Google