Exposing ageism

Abstract

Throughout much of the past century, old age was considered as a social problem. However, a sociological analysis of old age clearly indicates that the weak position of older people in society is ultimately a result of hegemonic ideological manoeuvres that keep older persons out of power relationships and exclude them from accessing various material and social resources. 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.