HDFS 2001 Exam 3: Unit 7 Ageism

What is ageism?

Ageism is the system of stereotyping and discriminating against people based on age. It positions middle-aged adults as privileged while older and younger people are oppressed.

What is internalized ageism?

Internalized ageism occurs when age norms shape how we view ourselves, leading to self-monitoring and feelings of shame if we don't fit norms.

What is adultism?

Adultism is a system of oppression where youth are systematically oppressed due to the belief that adults are more knowledgeable, giving adults authority while restricting youth autonomy.

What are compulsory schooling laws?

Laws requiring children to attend school, established between 1852-1918.

What are child labor laws?

Laws that restricted youth work hours and banned hazardous labor.

What is the Fair Labor Standards Act?

A law that restricted teen employment and set labor protections.

What are zero tolerance discipline policies?

School policies that criminalize normal youth behavior.

What are school resource officers (SROs)?

Officers introduced into schools, bringing policing into educational environments.

What is the age of majority?

The legal age of adulthood, usually 18 (19 in AL/NE, 21 in MS).

What does the 26th Amendment do?

It lowered the voting age to 18.

What are curfew laws?

Laws restricting youth presence in public spaces during certain hours.

What is the Social Security Act of 1935?

Created the first national retirement income system and formalized retirement as a social expectation.

What is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act?

A 1967 law prohibiting workplace discrimination for workers aged 40+.

What are guardianship laws?

Laws that transfer decision-making authority for older adults to others.

How is age socially constructed?

Age is not just biological; society creates categories (child, teen, adult, elder) with norms and expectations. These categories differ across cultures and time periods.

How does age differ across cultures?

Some cultures mark adulthood by responsibility, not birthdays, and use rituals like Quinceañera or Bar/Bat Mitzvah to signal transitions

How is age socialized?

Through family, schools, media, and peers, we learn norms for each age group, shaping behavior and expectations. Institutions teach us what behaviors and roles are considered normal and appropriate for each age group.

How does socialization contribute to the norms society has for different ages?

Socialization creates norms for each age group, such as children being seen as innocent and needing control, teens as impulsive and rebellious, early adults as expected to "have it together," and older adults as declining and expected to retire. These norms shape expectations and influence how people are treated.

How have societal views on children shifted over time and why did these changes occur?

Early U.S.: Children were viewed as small adults and expected to work. Industrialization led to child labor laws and compulsory schooling. Today, childhood is seen as a time of learning and dependence.

When and why was adolescence developed?

Emerged in the early 1900s as schooling increased and work decreased, reinforced by labor laws and school attendance.

What is the minimum school leaving age?

Most states require students to stay in school until age 16-18.

What is emerging adulthood and why was it created?

A term for ages 18-25, introduced by Jeffrey Arnett in 2000, because traditional adulthood markers shifted later. Common among middle-class youth.

How is adultism different from parenting?

Parenting involves guidance and safety; adultism dismisses youth voices and autonomy.

How is ageism different from helping older adults?

Helping is necessary when older adults need support; ageism assumes incapability based on age alone.

How are youth portrayed in media?

As impulsive, rebellious, and trend-obsessed.

How are older adults portrayed in media?

Underrepresented and shown as frail, grumpy, or technologically incapable.

How do ageism and adultism occur in the workplace?

Youth are underpaid and exploited; older adults are passed over for promotions. ADEA protects workers 40+.

How does adultism exist in schools?

Adults control rules, schedules, and dress codes, which enforce adult norms.

How is adultism defined by legal systems?

Laws like drinking age and curfews control youth behavior; age categories are socially constructed.

How does adultism exist in the court system?

Youth can be tried as adults for severe charges; Black and Hispanic youth are more likely to be transferred to adult court.

How do ageism and adultism exist in healthcare?

Adultism: Parental consent laws restrict youth autonomy. Ageism: Older adults face polypharmacy risks from multiple medications.

What is polypharmacy risk?

Polypharmacy risk refers to the danger older adults face when taking multiple medications prescribed by different providers without proper oversight. This can lead to harmful drug interactions, side effects, and increased health complications.

How does adultism appear in youth activism?

Adults dismiss youth activists as naïve and punish activism in schools.

How were older adults originally viewed in the U.S.?

Valued for wisdom; Industrial Revolution shifted value to speed and labor, reducing their status.

How has life expectancy changed over time?

1900: ~47 years; today: ~79 years; increased due to healthcare, declined recently due to COVID-19 and other factors.

What is elder abuse and who commits it?

Physical, emotional, financial, neglect, or sexual abuse; most abusers are family members.

Who cares for elderly adults and what are the outcomes?

Mostly women; caregiving leads to burnout and financial strain.