Essays on Ageism

The world is gradually becoming virtually smaller this is because of the rapid globalization being experienced everywhere. As we experience rapid globalization so is our level of knowledge meaning we can perform so many activities with ease and far much better than we used to before. We have less mortality rate as people are living longer than before. An improved health care service has also promoted people living longer than before. Canada has seen a decrease in fertility rate especially in the twentieth century and when we combine this with a low mortality rate; it means that Canadian population ...

Derogatory Terms Used as Tools for Maintaining the Privileged Status of Young White Males

In the United States of America, young white males from the middle class occupy a privileged status and therefore enjoy many benefits, such as being able to attain their goals without facing social pressures and barriers. While this group is occupies a position of power, people who fall short of any of the characteristics which would allow them to enter it, are discriminated from one or more points of view. Race, class, ability, gender, age, sexuality and ethnicity are some of the demographic features which are considered when establishing the power relation in the society. Groups which occupy a ...

Abstract

Although obliged to cover issues in their entirety, with no distortions made in the process, American media tend to misrepresent the reality, as was the case with the depiction of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime implications for the social welfare possibly for political reasons. The noble cause of saving the international image of the USA formerly allied with the late leader in the wake of the Gaddafi demonization could have been the driving force of misrepresentation of the myth related in part to ethical minorities. The knowledge of non-consequentialism and its principles, whether unconsciously or otherwise, allows readers to perceive ...

The historical perspectives on social work incorporate the idea that it could simply be reduced to common sense of experienced mothers, but the modern understanding of social work moves it far beyond this narrow interpretation. Nowadays, “social workers constantly try to make a positive difference to service users’ lives and support community members in a variety of ways” (Stepney & Ford, 2000, p.xiii). In this process, a balanced combination of theory and practice is required, while practice standards used to protect the individuals in society and enhance social justice are based on the solid body of theoretical perspectives, frameworks and ...

Discrimination on the basis of age is termed as ageism. Ageism has been prevalent for a long time in the western society as well as other societies; elderly are commonly being perceived as people of low value (Bowling, 2007). They are also considered to be a significant economic burden to the society; and is often perceived that any medical treatment would not bring much benefits to the elderly individual; and will be of a shorter duration; and that they have already had a ‘fair innings’ in life (Bowling, 2007).

Ageism is one reason why the elderly adults perceive themselves as stressed. Such ...

Part 1 Topic: Prejudice and Discrimination

Define ethnocentrism.

Ethnocentrism is the idea of one being self-centered about his or her own culture or viewing it as superior to any other culture. Culture relativism is the idea of a culture varying from one society to another, what one believes to be good or bad define their moral standards (LeVine & Campbell, 1971).

How ethnocentrism can be both positive and negative for a culture

Positive: it is essential to be ethnocentric. It helps individuals to have a better understanding of their culture thus appreciate it. Ethnicity links individuals of a certain culture with their past (LeVine & Campbell, 1971).

Negative: it is not wrong for an individual to think that his ...

Part I

What is being done to address the issues you identified?

Ageism is a major problem that affects the elderly individuals in society. Usually, these people are treated with a lot of prejudice where in society; people look down on them and treat them as if they are not part of that society. There is also the issue of discrimination at work places. The old people are not given much attention because they are thought to be slow, ineffective and lazy. This puts them at a very high risk of being laid off from work. They are usually not considered for promotions since ...

Ageism occurs as one of the most widespread communal problems across different social settings. The problem of ageism transcends across various social facets including religion, race, and socio-economic status. Precisely, ageism is not attributed to certain religions, races, and socio-economic classes. In a nutshell, ageism poses various harms not only to the elderly, but for the entire society (Leon-Guerrero, 2013). There exists various practical solutions, which could be utilized to resolve the problem of ageism. Arguably, the most practical solution to the problem of ageism in the contemporary society is developing legislations that impose penalties on persons found liable for ...

Grumpy Old Men is a 1993 American film that revolves around the life and times of two childhood friends, Gustafson and Goldman, in their old age. The cast is made up of Jack Lemmon (acting as John Gustafson), Walter Matthau (acting as Max Goldman), Ann Margaret (acting as Ariel Truax Gustafson), Burgess Meredith (acting as John Sr.), Darryl Hannah (acting as Melanie), Kevin Pollak (acting as Jacob), Ossie Davis (acting as Chuck) and Buck Henry (acting as Elliott Snyder). As the title suggests, the film misrepresents the elderly as people who are always grumpy, easily irritated and stubborn. In addition, ...

Up ‘Up’ is an animated movie by Walt Disney pictures. Pete Docter directed, ‘Up’ was released in the year 2009. The movie is highly acclaimed by the audiences as well as the critics. ‘Up’ is one of the most successful animated films of American film industry and has won several prestigious awards. This paper intends to discuss the movie, ‘Up’ and further focuses on the ageism, an integrated part of the movie. The story revolves around 78 year old Carl Frederickson who had a dream of traveling South America. Some unfortunate incidents take place in his life, and ...

Introduction

I chose this article because it examines the fundamental issues in contemporary society. This is so because it examines the cultural ideologies that degrade the old age in society. These cultural norms are motivated by the media, which attribute the female body with consumer culture. Therefore, society should realize that aging is a sense of maturity and should embrace it as a Self-identities associated to the appearance and performance of the bodies. Similarly, aging should be based on feminist and gender ideologies because it cut across gender, race and class in various societies.

Summary

The article uses a feminist approach to explore aging ...

Introduction The Odd Couple is a film written by Neil Simon. It is an American comedy with a unique theme. The film stars two divorced men, Felix (Jack Lemmon), a clean freak and perfectionist, and Oscar (Walter Matthau), crude, disorganized divorced man whose life can be likened to slob. The two men decide to co-habit despite their different personalities, and the results are disastrous.Plot Oscar feels incomplete without his wife and kids. He misses them and wishes he could have been more supportive (by making his alimony payments) than he was. Felix also wallows in self pity when he is free because ...

Ageism is the stereotyping of persons purely based on their advancement in age. This led to the formation of groups such as the Americans for Generational Equity (AGE). The group aims at sensitization of issues such as the availing of resources and healthcare and resources to the elderly. However, some scholars believe that the special treatment availed to the elderly results in discrimination against the young. Recent definitions of ageism include this factor. This means that the trend involves changes in the beliefs that people have towards how they should treat people of particular age, especially the old. ...

Media portrayals of the elderly

Old age is one of the realities of life that most people dread to accept. Generally family, friends and society give upon elder citizens counting them as frail and unproductive population. This adversely affects the physical and mental wellbeing of even the positive and upbeat older lot. A lot of older people face indifference of all sorts and suffer in silence. Attitudes towards old age are as important as getting old. According to Hatch (2005) “people absorb impressions, ideas, images, dominant values and sounds that reflect society’s attitudes toward aging from media. In addition, media reflect dominant values ...

The human development solely depends on the results of the diverse stages that occur in a human being. These stages start from the conception of a newborn until the day of death. Biological and sociological inheritance faced by an individual determines these stages of development. From the child’s conception to the death, the human being undergoes various stages to address and portray clear effects of the aging. The extended childhood, rapid maturity, gradually declining mental function and a post-productive period characterizes the development and growth in human. Various advancements occur that characterize these stages. For example, the proper use human bodies, ...

Introduction

Average score in the introduction Poor literature review An excellent theoretical representation A good analysis Average summary Overall mark for the paper (conclusion) Introduction The paper has the objective of thoroughly analysis a paper on the impacts of age stereotypes in the older people in the society. The topic seeks to showcase how older people are constantly discriminated in the society in terms of tasks given, rights, treatment, and financial benefits or recognition. Such discrimination often affects how the society perceives old people. In my perspective, such discrimination affects their quality of life, ...

Explanation of the Theory

Ageism literally translates to discrimination on account of the age of an individual. The treatment of an individual based on his age relates to different kinds of activities mostly related to employment. As a social problem, ageism is a phenomenon that differentiates itself from other common types of discrimination – racism and sexism, for instance, in that it can affect everyone in the world due to the simple fact of aging. Inevitably, every person is bound to become older and the creation of cultural facets against aging, such as those that portray getting old in a negative light to the extent that it ...

LGBT Aging and Their Health Care Needs

Introduction The changing demographics of aging population in many countries especially in United States is one of the most important aspect of modern history. One of the main issues in the aging services is the non-existent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) specific service programs. The LGBT people who spend their lives in supporting their families and create productive contributions to the communities may have difficulties in their elder lives. Aside from the non-LGBT elder problems, there are LGBT-specific elder problems such as discrimination, abuse and impoverishment. There are also specific obstacles in the aging LGBT people ...

Abstract

Tests intended to measure human intelligence have evolved to give a better picture of human intellectual behavior. These are nothing but Intelligence tests. These measure the functions of mental ability like judgment, reasoning and comprehension. Although, it has benefits, certain pitfalls appear to dilute its validation. This is unnecessarily leading to age and minority discrimination. With this trend, people developed views that intelligence testing could discriminate against old people and minority groups; while others are opposed to such views. On the other hand, intelligence testing is not fully validated for minorities such as African –American. They do perform well ...

Introduction and definition of elder abuse

Psychological and physical elder abuse Literature review: The empirical research Conclusion - Practical implications.

Abstract

This literature exploration investigates abuse among elderly in the society. The focus will be on psychological and physical abuse. Even through many other forms of abuse co-exit along with these two types being addressed in this document a sociological analysis regarding the emergence, perpetuation and function of psychological and physical elder abuse within society will be highlighted. These will be reviewed embracing a paradigm that disrespect from the younger generation, social structures and marginalization among this group has produced such social dysfunctions in our ...

Explain the problems with stereotypes and give examples of stereotypes of the elderly to illustrate these problems

Ageism has been described as stereotyping where the young are considered more superior. In many cases, just like racism and sexism, ageism stereotyping has its own consequences. Over the years, ageism has developed where more value has been considered in being young rather than being old. This misconception is mostly with those who do not have frequent contact with old people as compared to those who do. Stereotyping has many negative consequences. One of the views of elderly stereotyping is that they are viewed as being alike. In her article for the Oregon Government, Nancy R. Peppard, Ph. ...

Catholic Charities are among the largest charities located in the United States. Catholic Charities is a non-profit agency, which was founded in 1910 as the National Conference of Catholic. Catholic Charities is a network of charities whose goal is "to provide service to persons in need, to promote for justice in social structures.” As what is stated on the Catholic Charities main website, in 2008, Catholic Charities agencies served more than 8 million individuals. Catholic Charities received in grants approximately $2.9 billion from the federal government in the year 2010. Comparatively, the organization’s annual revenue was $4.67 billion. Approximately $140 ...

Discrimination on the basis of age is termed as ageism. Ageism has been prevalent for a long time in the western society as well as other societies; elderly are commonly being perceived as people of low value (Bowling, 2007). They are also considered to be a significant economic burden to the society; and is often perceived that any medical treatment would not bring much benefits to the elderly individual; and will be of a shorter duration; and that they have already had a ‘fair innings’ in life (Bowling, 2007). The family, friends, care givers, society, and the policy makers need to become ...

Facilitator:

Introduction The society comprise of various groups of people that are created by social, economic and political dimensions. Some people in the society are vulnerable to exploitation because of factors and contingencies characterizing their lives. According to Jones & Reid (2011), groups of people such as children, women, gay, lesbians, and the aged are vulnerable due to their lifestyles and cultural phenomena. Some challenges faced by these individuals are diminutive that the society tends to ignore their consequences. However, actions may eventually emanate from the fact that these people are vulnerable create great tension in the society, especially in ...

ABSTRACT

The American society has often been described as sustaining a stereotypic and negative perception towards older adults. Contrary to other types of categorization of individuals such as racism and sexism, ageism has received relatively insignificant attention. Ageism leads to discrimination in social-economic aspects such as medical attention, business, and social gatherings among others. This paper discusses the social separation of the old and the young people that leads to ageism. It also discusses ageism in the modern American society that was started by changes from agricultural to industrial based economies thereby rendering elderly land owners less powerful and authoritative in ...

Ageism can be defined as a type of discrimination which is associated with prejudice against some people on the basis of their age. Like sexism and racism, ageism also is involved in holding stereotypes on people who are in different age groups. The word ageism was first used by Robert N. Butler who is a gerontologist to describe discrimination against the older adults. Currently, the term is usually applied to any kind of discrimination that is based on age whether it involves prejudice against the senior-citizens, the teenagers or children. The manifestations of ageism are usually seen in workplace environments, ...

Discrimination refers treating someone in a different way from others based on certain attributes. These attributes include age, gender, sex, skin colour, religion, or ethnicity. Discrimination exists all over the world and in most cases leads to exclusion of individuals based on irrational decisions. Discrimination is not fair as it makes valuable people miss opportunities and privileges which they would have otherwise obtained. There are various forms of discrimination which include caste discrimination, employment discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, language discrimination, and ethnic discrimination. This paper seeks to discuss about age discrimination in employment and measures which ...

In the modern world, stereotyping has become a way to subtly (or not so subtly) marginalize groups that do not quite fit into the mainstream. It serves as a means of generalizing wide swaths of people as individually similar (or even identical) to the culture to which they belong. Stereotypes often take one aspect of a particular culture and apply it to each individual who is a part of that culture. For some, stereotyping is just a matter of expediency. Applying certain character traits to a certain group of people, they might say, makes interactions run more smoothly. Of course, stereotyping at its heart can ...

Mental Health in Late Adulthood

Introduction

Good mental health is fundamental to an individual, their family and society. In Australia, mental health issues and mental illnesses among adults aged 55 years and above have been one of the greatest causes of diminished productivity, deteriorated quality of lives and disability. People with mental health issues are associated with higher rates of mortality and morbidity. Death of these people arises from a wide range of causes, including suicide. Inadequate mental health for the people in their late adulthood causes a burden on the family of the victim, friends and other stakeholders of the society (Scheurer, 2006). In modern ...

Stereotype Paper

It has already been proven scientifically that stereotyping makes people’s life more complicated and unsatisfied (Gensler, 2001). Generally, people tend to achieve less in the situations when they feel unfair treatment based on some prejudice or stereotypes. In such cases people continue to behave in more aggressive way and be dissatisfied even when they leave the situation with unfair treatment (Kemick, 2010). I believe that because of occurrence of such situations, the problem of stereotyping should be addressed as soon as possible. I don’t think that it is possible to solve all the problems related to stereotyping ...

How Mother’s Manage Their Family’s Economic and Social Well-Being

The role of the Canadian women in the family has evolved throughout the years. Women now are neither strictly just confined at home nor are families strictly consisting of a mother and father who are bound by marriage. With the many changes in the society and in the environment came changes in women’s role and in the perception of women. The modern Canadian family has started to veer away from the traditional model where the husband is responsible for working to financially support the family while the wife stays at home to take care of the household chores, ...

Stereotype Paper

Stereotyping is one of realities in our life that make it much more difficult and unhappy, which has already been scientifically proved (Gensler, 2001). When people feel that they are discriminated on the basis of some stereotypes and prejudice, they tend to perform worse and even after the situation changes, for example, they leave the group of people where they were discriminated, people still tend to be more aggressive and dissatisfied (Kemick, 2010). It is the main reason why I consider stereotyping to be absolutely inappropriate in today’s world, but unfortunately, I think that to get rid of ...

Abstract

The concept of Ageism began in 1866 and is currently seen today as a prejudice and stereotyping of adults towards young teens and adults. Most of this somewhat antagonistic behavior of adults can mostly be seen by young teens and adults when inside the workplace. With the rapid decline of companies accepting aged adults and elderly in the work force, they are forced to have limited income, a huge number of bills and expenses and a strained problem of age discrimination especially if they are in the workforce. This paper will discuss a little background of age discrimination and the reasons why there ...

Abstract

Ageism was spotted in 1866 and it is seen today with multiple stereotypes and prejudice of the elderly and it is especially observed in the workplace. Our aged population with limited income, yet bearers of a number of bills, including rising cost in utilities, medical care, and medications are faced with the stress and suffering of age discrimination in the workforce. This paper will review the history of age discrimination and discuss cases in which employees favor the young and terminate the old.

Ageism is a growing problem and concern and has become a negative societal workplace trend for older adults. Although ...

Arguably, since the spin of the 20th century there has been impossible demographic change in aging. Ageism is the abuse, discrimination, avoidance and stereotyping of the old people in the society (William & Julian, 2008). We are presently living in a society in which its population is growing tremendously, especially individuals over the age of 65. The modern world is probably characterized by a rapid rate of aging. Ageism comes up with different types of social problems. For example each year in America, a minimum of one million and a maximum of three million elderly people are exploited, injured and mistreated by those ...

Abstract Aging is a complex process marked with distinct physical, emotional and social changes in the individual. The older individual must revise his lifestyle to accommodate the changes. The elderly person is often exposed to ageism and stereotypes and is expected to be dependent and helpless. Views on death differ at different developmental stages, as do cultural attitudes towards dying. Late adulthood is associated with a review of the individual’s life, evaluation and acceptance. This may result either in a feeling of integrity over accomplishments or despair over lack thereof.

Introduction

Aging can be defined as the process of maturing ...