Social Inequality: Ageism, Term Paper Example

As a form of social inequality, ageism can be defined as discrimination and prejudice against older individuals, especially senior citizens who because of their age are seen as inferior or useless to society as a whole. In other words, people feel that older people have lived out their usefulness and do not deserve to be treated fairly and equally. However, “most seniors are mentally and physically active regardless of age” and still have much to contribute to society. But unfortunately, particularly in the United States, “societal norms marginalize seniors, treat them with disrespect (and) make them feel unwelcome” (“Ageism”), all because of being older than many of their contemporaries who often fail to remember that if they are lucky enough, they too will be old someday. Therefore, older individuals deserve to be treated with respect and admiration and for all of the contributions they have made to society over the course of their lives.

Ageism is considered as an example of social inequality because of long-held social beliefs that older people are dependent upon others, are helpless and cannot take care of themselves, are unproductive, and are in effect, depend upon the U.S. government and state governments for their livelihood in the form of pensions, welfare programs, and of course Social Security (Dittmann, “Fighting Ageism”). This is referred to in sociological circles are stereotyping which according to Rebecca Levy of Yale University, is not only “hurtful to older people, but. . . may even shorten their lives.” Levy adds that her study on ageism revealed that “people 50 years and older (and) with more positive self-perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with negative self-perceptions of aging” (Dittmann, “Fighting Ageism”). In addition, Levy’s study revealed that “people’s positive beliefs about and attitudes toward the elderly appear to boost their mental health.” Thus, when older individuals are exposed to less stereotyping, they possess “significantly better memory and balance” as opposed to negative self-perceptions which often result in feelings of worthlessness (Dittmann, “Fighting Ageism”).

In fact, ageism has been around for a very long time and seems to begin when a person is young when they are exposed to age discrimination in their households. One main reason why ageism still remains in today’s modern society is because of the mass media and its often negative and derogatory portrayal of senior citizens and the elderly in television shows and the movies. Part of the reason for this enduring social problem is the mass media’s focus on youth. As Dittmann points out, “the value that the media and society place on youth might explain the growing number of cosmetic surgeries among older adults” (“Fighting Ageism”). Thus, it is clear that as a social inequality problem, ageism needs more thorough research, especially in the field of geropsychology or the study of psychological manifestations in the elderly.

As to sociological theory and ageism, most researchers agree that aging and ageism can best be explained via the Conflict Theory which basically “emphasizes the impact of ageism or negative views about old age and prejudice and discrimination against the elderly” (“Sociological Perspectives on Aging”). To be more precise, this theory asserts that older individuals are “devalued because they are no longer economically productive and because their. . . health benefits and other costs drive down capitalist profits” (“Sociological Perspectives on Aging”). In this respect, the conflict occurs when the needs of the elderly clash with the alleged more important needs of younger and more productive individuals in a given society.

In essence, ageism as a social inequality problem continues to negatively affect the lives of the elderly in the United States, especially in relation to obtaining employment despite the fact that many senior citizens have years of experience in their chosen fields and careers. What needs to change in the United States is the viewpoint that older individuals do not deserve recognition and respect when in fact it is the members of the older generations that have made it possible for young people to live better lives.

Works Cited

“Ageism.” 2013. Assisted Living Federation of America. Web. Accessed July 14, 2015. <http://www.alfa.org/alfa/Ageism.asp>.

Dittmann, Melissa. “Fighting Ageism.” 2003. American Psychological Association. Web. Accessed July 14, 2015. <http://www.apa.org/monitor/may03/fighting.aspx>.

“Sociological Perspectives on Aging.” 2015. Web. Accessed July 14, 2015. <https://new.edu/resources/sociological-perspectives-on-aging>.

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