Ageism: Stereotyping And Prejeduce Against Older Persons

by Todd D. Nelson (Editor)

Along with race and gender, people commonly use age to categorizeand form stereotypes aboutothers. Of the three categories, age is the only one in which the members of the in-group (the young) will eventually join the out-group (the old). Although ageism is found cross-culturally, it is especially prevalent in the United States, where most people regard growing older with depression, fear, and anxiety. Older people in the United States are stigmatized and marginalized, with often devastating consequences. Although researchers have paid a great deal of attention to racism and sexism, there has been a dearth of research on ageism. A major reason for this neglect is that age prejudice is still considered socially acceptable. As baby boomers approach retirement age, however, there has been increased academic and popular interest in aging. This volume presents the current thinking on age stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination by researchers in gerontology, psychology, sociology, and communication. The book presents theoretical and empirical findings on the origins and effects of ageism, as well as suggestions on how to reduce ageism for the approaching "graying of America."

Genres: Nonfiction

372 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2004

Reviews

[Mike]

As a privileged, US-born, Christian, straight, white male, I never felt the force of discrimination or bias until ageism hit me in the face. While my experience pales compared to those who suffer more pronounced prejudice throughout their lives, being judged solely by my birth date gave me pause to expand my social and life views. One result became researching the roots, manifestations, and consequences of ageism.

The scholarly articles in this thoughtfully organized work present a comprehensive review of ageism. Each chapter is written by recognized experts in social sciences and related disciplines, thoroughly data-driven and annotated. A compelling theme weaves throughout the various chapters: Unlike the circumstances driving other "-isms" in society, aging (absent premature death) is a universal condition that eventually strikes everyone. This may be the driving force behind the attitudes and actions that put older people in a less-than-desirable category in life.

That reminded me of a story about a health worker denigrating an older patient--deplorable and heinous but it happens, as one chapter in the book documents. In response, the derided elder responded, "As you are, I once was. As I am, you will be." The book contains many references to terror management theory as a way of obviating the fear of aging and death that remains a primary force in the propagation of ageism, especially in modern days. One of many fascinating and provocative approaches that enrich the book.