Ageism is an institutionalized preference that
associates aging with decreased social value.
discriminates against people of Aegean origin.
places increased emphasis on men’s appearance as they get older.
discriminates against heterosexual couples in which the woman is older than the man but not those in which the reverse is true.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
associates aging with decreased social value.
Explanation:
Ageism is a form of discrimination and stereotyping based on a person’s age, and it typically targets older adults. The term was coined by Dr. Robert N. Butler in 1969 to describe prejudice and discrimination against older people, similar to how racism and sexism target race and gender, respectively. The correct definition, as presented in the answer choice, is that ageism is an institutionalized preference that associates aging with decreased social value.
This means that as individuals grow older, society often tends to devalue them, assuming they are less capable, less productive, and less adaptable. These assumptions are not necessarily based on actual abilities or health status but rather on pervasive negative stereotypes. For example, older people might be unfairly overlooked for job opportunities, underrepresented in media, or treated with condescension in healthcare settings.
Institutionalized ageism is particularly harmful because it becomes embedded in the systems, policies, and cultural norms of a society. For example, mandatory retirement ages, limited access to training programs for older workers, and the lack of representation of older adults in leadership roles are all reflections of institutional ageism.
Contrary to one of the incorrect answer choices, ageism is not about discrimination against people of Aegean origin—this is a geographical and ethnic misconception. Additionally, while there may be gendered double standards in how aging is perceived (e.g., older men sometimes being seen as distinguished while older women are considered less attractive), the main feature of ageism is not a focus on men’s appearance. Finally, while there may be social biases in relationships with age disparities, such biases fall more under sexism and social norms than the core definition of ageism.
In summary, ageism is rooted in societal attitudes that equate aging with decline, and it contributes to the marginalization and invisibility of older adults in various aspects of life.