Exclusion Of Older People

1164 Words3 Pages

The social construction of age in regards to self and other has influenced the geographies of inclusion and exclusion. People are othered based on their differences in what is perceived to be appropriate in society. In society the middle-aged people are not discriminated against to a large extent compared to the young and older people since they are considered to be the suitable individuals in society. Society has seen young people being othered due to their behaviour and maturity. Similarly, in society, older people are viewed differently compared to the young and middle-aged individuals because of their need to depend on other people.
Society has seen the young and the older people being ‘othered’ and excluded compared to the middle-aged …show more content…

The exclusion of older people appears to run parallel alongside the exclusion of young people in society (Holloway, 2005). Throughout the world, views on older people differ over space and time. An article by Blaikie, 1999 describes how before modern societies older people were given respect but after the establishment of modern societies older people were not given as much respect. For example, in Africa, older individuals are given vast amount of respect due to the amount of wisdom they hold as they have lived a longer life than the younger and middle-aged individuals (Pain, 2001). Compared to western societies, older people are viewed negatively as old age is associated with problems such as the high dependency on others, finance, and health problems (Pain, 2001). Older people become dependent on others as they become physically less capable to look after themselves such as the need to be place in a retirement home but also many do not work for a living after retirement and therefore need money to survive off. Older people can access money through pensions which is given by the state, however as the number of individual classified as ‘old’ increase, conflict can arise between age groups as a result (Pain, 2001). Older people are often othered and excluded throughout the western societies where it is associated to a negative aspect, however this is not always true in some societies where older people are associated to a positive

Show More
Related

  • Examples Of Ageism In To Kill A Mockingbird

    607 Words  | 2 Pages

    For an example “The common theme is a fear or a reluctance to hire people under 30, because they are unpredictable, and, ‘they don’t know how to work,’” says Cam Marston (Wooldridge). In the same way this goes along with older people seemly more intelligent, Reliable instead of collage kids which briefly explains why it’s hard to find a job in that sense. Additionally labeling helps discriminate millennia’s especially if from older employees example “Wilkie notes that it’s common for older workers to see younger workers as a threat, and take the easy way out by labeling them as somehow different” (Wooldridge). Hence the reason the older won’t like the younger because of the fear being replaced so they start shaming millennia’s. This is important because ageism is seriously a huge common stereotype in a sense people might judge you on because they feel

    Read More

  • Discrimination In Ageism

    1525 Words  | 4 Pages

    When an individual unintentionally enters a room full of an unfamiliar crowd, he or she is bound to be embarrassed, but also have an apprehensive sensation of how others in that room will distinguish them. A situation like that establishes a moment in which that person realizes that all eyes are gaping at that individual. Just when that person could consider forgetting what just happened, unfortunately judgments start circulating among the unfamiliar crowd. As most people know, judgments are based off of a person’s appearance, race, religion, or a quality that doesn’t appeal to the person analyzing them. Obviously, judging is something that takes place whether someone likes it or not, but there are certain limits to it that many cross by adding

    Read More

  • Age And Ageism Discrimination In The National Health Service Case Study

    895 Words  | 2 Pages

    Age and Ageism discrimination in the National Health Service is mirrors ageism and age discrimination in society at large. It is a major fact to appraise issues of ageism and age discrimination in the United Kingdom society as a whole. “Whenever a clinical stone is turned over, ageism is revealed.” (Young, 2006, Opinion) I have come to realise that ageism is broader than the unfairness among the elderly age, it refers to deeply rooted negative beliefs about older people and the way they age, which may influence age discrimination. (McGlone and Fitzgerald, 2005, Study)

    Read More

  • Stereotypes Of Ageism In Film

    1081 Words  | 3 Pages

    305). Society is constantly bombarded by messages informing us about how to reduce the signs of aging, instead of accepting the natural process (Germov, 2014, p. 305). These beliefs have lead to ageism being very common in society. Ageism is best defined as the negative attitudes, which are associated with the aging process (Novak, 2006, p. 3). Ageism involves an individual or group being stereotyped and experiencing discrimination due to their biological age (Novak, 2006, p. 3). This discrimination can be direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment (Johnson, 2013, p. 27). Unlike other individuals and groups who are stereotyped and discriminated against, those who are making these comments will one day themselves be of old

    Read More

  • Substance Abuse and the Elderly

    2005 Words  | 5 Pages

    Atchley, R. C. (1997). Social forces and aging: An introduction to social gerontology (8th ed.).

    Read More

  • Perspective of Aging: A Phenomenological Approach

    1115 Words  | 3 Pages

    Hiller, S. M., & Barrow, G. M. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

    Read More

  • Sociological Perspectives Of Aging Essay

    738 Words  | 2 Pages

    221). Conflict theorists focus on the issues that divide the young from the old such as ageism. Society does not embrace the elderly population, which results in a constant battle against stereotypes, ageism and fighting to maintain equal standing in the workplace (Dittman, 2003). In an occupation, elderly workers are seen as washed up and worthless. Competition amongst workers can therefore lead to ageism and the dismissal of the elderly (Carl, 2011, p. 222). Conflict theorists focus on the economical side of aging and therefore focus on profit. In a capitalist society, the elderly are seen as incompetent and less productive; because productivity is tied to profit, these people are consequently removed from their positions. This causes segregation amongst society’s age

    Read More

  • Benefits Of Ageing

    1730 Words  | 4 Pages

    In today’s society, what was once said to be true and taken as fact regarding older people is no longer the whole story. As Laslett states, “At all times before the middle of the twentieth century and all over the globe the greater part of human life potential has been wasted, by people dying before their allotted time was up.” (1989a), and to a great extent a lot

    Read More

  • The Concept Of White Opportunity In Society, By Richard T. Schaefer

    760 Words  | 2 Pages

    Stereotypes that are associated with a group of older individuals might consist of this particular group being less productive than younger workers within the workplace because of the label attached to their age group. Other aspects that are associated with this group is that they are susceptible to contracting Alzheimer’s disease and they are “boring” or “forgetful”, I feel as though this is the most common stereotype. It is quite unfortunate that this type of discrimination still persists. Though, no act of discrimination should exist or be justified. It is evident that one will follow a social cue to fit in with individuals of a certain group. Author Schaefer mentions that social circumstances provide cues for a person’s attitudes. (Schaefer, 2015. Pg. 38). This notion influences others to act in a particular manner in order to receive a positive or negative reaction from individuals in their proximity. These reactions result from acts or expressions of prejudice. The normative approach, a theory of prejudice, is an exemplification of

    Read More

  • Sexism And Ageism In Society

    1231 Words  | 3 Pages

    Ageism is treating people in a different way due to their different age. One form of ageism is that against children. Children are being abused by their parents. So, they face domestic violence in several ways. Parents do so just because their children are younger than them and weak. Another form of ageism is that against older people. They are also facing violence but from those who are younger than them. In some countries, they don’t get the same treatments of diseases as younger ones get. They consider them dead. So, why paying money to treat dead people?! What shows discrimination also is the fact that older people are forced to retire from their jobs at age 65 ignoring their experience and ability to work. That is, even if he/she is still able to work, he/she should retire. It’s not a choice, it’s obligation. Common ageism against children and older people together is that ages 14-65 years are forced to be the cause of economic growth. Whereas, those under 14 and above 65 years are considered invaluable for the economy and its

    Read More

  • Ageism and Technology in Society

    549 Words  | 2 Pages

    Ageism for the purpose of this discussion will refer to stereotyping, discriminatory and oppressive practices towards the older population, those individuals over age fifty. Public policy, health careers, and social programs within contextual framework of our society’s norms are influenced by negative attitudes towards aging. The definition of ageism is, “stereotypes which are generalized beliefs or opinions based in individual experience, often produced by irrational thinking. Stereotyping whether direct or subtle is usually inaccurate, emotional impressions, and not based on objective information” (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p.32). Some stereotypes are older people are poor, unhealthy, and unable to learn new technology.

    Read More

  • Age Discrimination Case Study

    1164 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 is an act that was passed that clearly states that employers can’t be discriminate against someone based on their age 40 and older. The older adults are trying so hard to hold onto their jobs with dear life, because if not they will be nudged out and pushed aside. Not because of anything but rather because of their age. Age discrimination is on the rise as young as 50 years old. Age discrimination can happen to anyone regardless of your race, ethnic backgrounds or sexual orientation. A study was published in the Journal of Age Ageing and in the report it said that British People 50 years old and older faces discrimination about one third of them. In a resent survey older adults says job insecurity

    Read More

  • Stereotypes In Older Adults

    1879 Words  | 4 Pages

    Aging is universal and it is a process that everyone has to go through. The only difference is that everyone goes through this process at their own pace influenced by factors that will be discussed later on in this paper. When we think about factors that have an influence on older adults and how their life may be affected, we must consider the different social institutions while analyzing influences from social factors, cultural factors, and personal values. Abuse to older adults, stereotyping and informal care and technological advancements that affect older adults are the three topics that will be discussed in this reflection. Furthermore, will connect the three topics I have chosen to the knowledge that I have gained from my interaction

    Read More

  • Essay On Active Ageing

    1640 Words  | 4 Pages

    (Nguyen, Sarkari, Macneil, Cowan, & Rankin, 2013). The main cause and outcome of social exclusion is poverty and has been known to cause numerous complications in relation to mental and physical wellbeing. There are four factors that have been found to lead to social exclusion these are societal discrimination, little opportunities to actively participate in society, the social exclusion of goods/needs, and the lack of financial resources to maintain their lifestyle (Nguyen et al., 2013). Social exclusion can perpetuate a tragic cycle where poverty comes from social exclusion and social exclusion leads to poverty. Which can mean that older adults can be more likely to live with multiple chronic illness, malnutrition, have high-stress levels, and experience multiple moments of loneliness, depression and anxiety (Nguyen et al., 2013). Fostering versatility and avoiding dependency roles can help the young-old to the old-old maintain their dependence and avoid social exclusion (Minett,

    Read More

  • Analysis Of The Old Lady In The Boss Came To Dinner

    1314 Words  | 3 Pages

    The relation between culture and age has often been the subject of discourse in recent gerontological studies. It is argued that there is an inherent relation between the two. The difference marked by age or our perception of old age, in particular, is a cultural and social construction. Consequently, the meanings and value assigned to old age are also socially constructed. This in turn leads to a reshaping of identity or what Holstein and Gubrium term as ‘self-construction’(Randall and McKim 235). However, what we need to consider is whether it is only this construct that is solely responsible for determining our response to aging. Does our environment have complete agency in shaping our attitude or is it also dependent on how we, as

    Read More

More about Exclusion Of Older People

Open Document