Identity the possible double jeopardy for elderly ethnic minority individuals.
Select one:
a. ?sexism and chauvinism
b. ?nepotism and egotism
c. ?adultism and adultcentrism
d. ?racism and ageism
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. racism and ageism.
Explanation:
Double jeopardy refers to the compound disadvantage faced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized or disadvantaged groups. For elderly ethnic minority individuals, the concept of double jeopardy is particularly relevant as they experience discrimination and disadvantage due to both their age (ageism) and their ethnic background (racism).
- Racism: Ethnic minorities often experience racism, which refers to prejudices or discrimination based on race or ethnicity. This can manifest in various forms, including stereotypes, unequal treatment, exclusion from opportunities, and lack of representation. For elderly ethnic minorities, this can be compounded by negative assumptions or biases about their race, leading to systemic exclusion, less access to services, or mistreatment by others. They may be stereotyped as “foreign,” “less competent,” or treated as inferior based on their ethnicity.
- Ageism: Ageism refers to discrimination or stereotyping based on a person’s age. Older adults, in particular, may face challenges such as being viewed as weak, unproductive, or irrelevant. They might experience a lack of respect or opportunities in the workforce, healthcare, and social settings. Ageism can also result in physical and emotional neglect, poor healthcare, or being overlooked in societal and cultural decision-making processes.
When both ageism and racism intersect, elderly ethnic minority individuals are likely to face compounded barriers. For example, they might find it more difficult to access healthcare, where ageist assumptions about their health and racist biases regarding their ethnicity can result in substandard care or delays in treatment. In addition, they may encounter barriers in terms of employment or social mobility, where their race and age both work against them. These intersecting forms of discrimination can negatively affect their overall well-being and quality of life, leading to greater socioeconomic disadvantage, poorer mental health, and higher rates of poverty or social isolation.
Thus, elderly ethnic minority individuals face a compounded form of discrimination—racism and ageism—that leads to a cycle of disadvantage in society.