Exposing Ageism

Abstract

Throughout much of this century, old age was considered as a social problem for society (Achenbaum, 1995). However, a sociological analysis of old age clearly indicated that the weak position of older people in society is ultimately a result of hegemonic ideological manoeuvres that render older persons absent from power relationships and exclude them from accessing various material and social resources (Biggs, 1994). Sociologists refer to discrimination on the basis of age by the term "Ageism". Although ageism may affect the young as well as the old, my concern here is with the older members of society. In the latter sense, ageism refers to a "systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because they are old, just as racism and sexism accomplish this of skin colour and gender" (Butler, 1987, p. 22). Albeit, some researchers are quick to point out the major factors that are thought to have caused ageism such as socialisation processes, industrialisation, and retirement policies, other researchers do not  believe that the reality surrounding ageism is far more complex. In contemporary societies, ageism is considered to be a powerful discriminatory force on a par with racism and sexism, and manifests itself as a complex and subtle phenomenon in historical, cultural, social, psychological, and ideological dimensions. In some social quarters it is highly worrying that ageism is giving way to 'gerontophobia', a fear of growing old or fear or hatred of the aged. This research publication aims at highlighting the diverse subtle manifestation of ageism in contemporary society but especially in the images of old age, employment, economic policies, as well as highlighting how ageism affects certain segments of older persons - such as lower class elders and women - more than others. It concludes by suggesting possible areas of anti-ageist practice.

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