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Ageism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ageism

[ˈeɪdʒɪzəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social discrimination

Ageism refers to the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against individuals based on their age. It can affect people of all ages but is most often associated with older adults. This form of discrimination can manifest in various areas including employment, healthcare, and social interactions. Ageism can lead to negative stereotypes and societal views about aging, contributing to feelings of worthlessness in elderly individuals and diminishing their quality of life.

Synonyms

age discrimination, age-bias, age-related prejudice, senior discrimination.

Examples of usage

  • The workplace culture is rife with ageism, pushing older employees towards retirement.
  • Ageism in healthcare can result in older patients receiving inadequate treatment.
  • She faced ageism when her ideas were dismissed during meetings because of her age.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Impact

  • Ageism can lead to negative impacts on mental health, including feelings of isolation and depression among older individuals.
  • Workplaces often exhibit ageism, where older employees may face challenges in hiring, promotions, and training due to stereotypes.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Intern' and 'Cocoon' challenge ageist stereotypes by showcasing capable older characters in a positive light.
  • Television shows are increasingly featuring a diverse range of characters across age groups, countering ageist portrayals.

Legal Aspects

  • In many countries, laws exist to protect against age discrimination in employment and services, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) in the USA.
  • Legal frameworks are evolving to address ageism as awareness of its prevalence grows, advocating for equal rights irrespective of age.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people holding ageist beliefs may project their insecurities about aging, which can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
  • Positive aging campaigns highlight the strengths and contributions of older adults, promoting a healthier perception of aging.

Origin of 'ageism'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'ageism' was coined in the 1960s by psychiatrist Bob Butler to describe discrimination against older adults.
  • It combines 'age,' referring to the number of years a person has lived, and 'ism,' a suffix that indicates a practice or philosophy.

The term 'ageism' was first coined by psychiatrist Robert N. Butler in 1969. Butler used the term to describe systematic discrimination against the elderly in society. He aimed to highlight the biases and stereotypes that people held against older adults, which often led to their marginalization. The roots of ageism can be traced back to various societal norms and cultural attitudes that regard aging as undesirable. Over the decades, ageism has been recognized as a significant social issue, influencing policies, workplace dynamics, and interpersonal relationships. The growing awareness and advocacy against ageism have sparked dialogues about the value and contributions of older adults, promoting a more inclusive society. Today, ageism is seen as a barrier to equality and remains a critical topic in discussions concerning human rights, social justice, and the aging population.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,524 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.