Chapter 11 Inequalities of Age

Chapter Outline Using the Sociological Imagination Aging and Stratification The Graying of America Theoretical Perspectives on Ageism Age and Inequality

Age stratification The distribution of scarce desirables based on chronological age. The social inequality reflected in age stratification is always justified socially and culturally.

Economic Development and Status of the Elderly Elderly experience negative age stratification in hunting and gathering societies Elderly have high status in agricultural societies. Elderly experience a loss of social standing in industrializing countries. Elderly are accorded higher status in postindustrial societies.

Aging of the World’s Population Improved medical care and knowledge of birth-control methods increase life expectancy and reduce the birth rate. Proportion of the world’s population 65 and older is increasing at a rate of about 6% annually. The world’s population as a whole has a growth rate under 2%.

% Increase in Population Age 65 and Older Country% Increase Guatemala357 China238 Canada135 United States105 France67 United Kingdom23

Aging of America Due to the baby-boom generation, there will be an increasing proportion of elderly in the advanced age cohort. Number of Americans 65 to 84 will increase to over 50 million in the middle of the 21st century. Number of Americans over age 85 will increase to about 8 million in 2010 and to over 17 million by 2050.

Percentage of the U.S. Population 65 and Over

Median Age of the U.S. Population: 1800–2080

U.S. Elderly Population 1990 –2050

Reasons for the Growth in the Number of Older Americans Pre–World War I Immigrants were young adults with a very high fertility rate. Their children are now among the elderly. Decline in the death rate.

Theoretical Perspectives: Age Inequality Theory Social Arrangement Example FunctionalismIn modern society, aging is associated with lower economic value. Companies prefer to hire and retain younger employees.

Theoretical Perspectives: Age Inequality Theory Social ArrangementExample Conflict theory As Americans age, their ability to compete economically is undermined by age-related prejudice. The elderly are labeled as less productive than younger workers.

Theoretical Perspectives: Age Inequality Theory Social ArrangementExample Symbolic Interactionism A stigma is attached to the elderly in modern societies. Older people tend to suffer lower self-esteem.

Challenging Stereotypes of Aging Most elderly people are not senile. Old age is not a sexless period for the majority of those over 65. Most elderly people are able to learn new things and can enthusiastically adapt to change.

Poverty Rates Among Americans 65 and Over, 1960–2000

Median Income of Americans 65 and Older by 2001 Race/ Ethnicity Total 65+ Male 65+ Female 65+ All races$14,152$19,688$11,313 White14,96120,85611,929 African American 10,63113,7769,051 Latino9,13312,338 7,585

Percentage of Americans Voting, by Age

Voting and the Elderly In 2000, 68% of the elderly voted in the presidential election, compared to: 26% of 18 to 24 year olds 49% of 25 to 44 year-olds By 2022 there will be four times as many voters 65 and older as there are voters 29 and under.