Sociology Chapter 10 Section 4: Ageism

Age stratification- when the unequal distribution of scarce resources (power, wealth, prestige) in a society is based on age. Ageism- a set of beliefs, attitudes, norms, and values used to justify prejudice and discrimination against a particular age group.

Functionalism and Ageism According to functionalists, elderly people in a given society are treated according to the role the aged play in that society. In many societies, ageism is not an issue. Many elderly people are treated with great respect and honor.

In early colonial America, no stigma was attached to age. In fact, to be elderly brought respect along with the opportunity to fill the most prestigious positions in the community.

During the 1600s and 1700s, Americans even tried to appear older than they actually were. Some people wore clothing that made them appear older and covered their hair with powdered wigs.

Attitudes about aging changed greatly as industrialization changed the nature of work. In a technical society, and adult’s value lessons when he or she no longer contributes fully to the common good. Thus, aging tends to lead to lower status.

This loss of status with older age might help explain the increase in the suicide rate for men beginning at about retirement age. Men may have greater difficulty in older age than women because they have been socialized in a culture that encourage men to identify strongly with work while they are younger, but denies them a sense of value after retirement.

Conflict Theory and Ageism Competition over scarce resources lies at the heart of ageism for conflict perspective. Elderly people compete with other age groups for economic resources, power, and prestige. In preindustrial societies, older people often get a fair share of the scarce resources. This is because work in preindustrial society is labor intensive, and all available hands must be utilized.

According to conflict theory, prejudice and discrimination are used by the dominant group as weapons in the control of minority groups.

Symbolic interactionism and ageism Like racism, ageism involves creating negative stereotypes. According to symbolic interactionists, children learn negative images of older people just as they learn other aspects of culture. Through the process of socialization, stereotypes of elderly people are often firmly implanted into a child’s view of the world.

What are some stereotypes of the elderly By definition, stereotypes are inaccurate, because they do not apply to all members of a group. Most elderly people are not senile, forgetful, or daft.