Ageism In Workplace
Main Post Question
Ageism in the workplace
Preconceptions of the elderly present ageist assumptions that characterize a group of people on the basis of their age; insidiously taking many forms, including prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory institutional policies, and practices that perpetuate stereotypical beliefs. This bias is so commonly accepted in our society that we don’t even recognize it. According to Adams et al., the prejudicial characterization of the elderly invalidates and discriminates because of age and have little to do with that person’s worth, intelligence or capabilities (2013). The intersection of ageism and other forms of oppression compounds to create illogical expectations that perpetuate the devaluation of ourselves as well as the aged.
According to Brownell (2014), older workers are vital to workplace productivity and culture. Aging is a developmental stage in which the aging live active, productive lives well into old age. Negative societal and …show more content…
individual assumptions about aging and older people can take the form of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. A workplace environment reflects the beliefs, vision, and leadership style of top administrators and in turn, determine workplace practices. The climate and culture of an organization and its attitudes towards their work situation and to their co-workers also affect how staff relates to clients and their effectiveness in their service.
According to Brownell (2014), organizational culture is rooted in the assumptions of its members and can create a work environment that is supportive and satisfying for older workers and clients or is inhospitable and hostile for them The first step towards avoiding age discrimination in the workplace is to understand exactly what it is as a way to identify potential problems within the organization. Some strategies may include appraisals of the culture, providing preventive training, and a just commitment to provide a supportive work environment for adults of all ages.
Leland (2008), suggests that ageist messages and practices imply that the elderly are incompetent and assaults their dignity and integrity.
Subliminal and blatant messages of inadequacy and ineptitude have real mental and physical health consequences, including increased stress and an impaired recovery from illness shortening their life span.. When older adults are viewed positively, it will promote a society that is more considerate of their needs, values their contributions and encourages productivity and longevity.
References
Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castañeda, C. R., Hackman, H. W., Peters, M. L., & Zúñiga, X. (2013). Readings for diversity and social justice (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Brownell, P. (2014). Ageism in the Workplace. Encyclopedia of Social Work Doi: 10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.844
Leland, J. (2008). In “sweetie” and “dear,” a hurt for the elderly. The New York Times. Retrieved from
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/us/07aging.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Ageism in the workplace
Preconceptions of the elderly present ageist assumptions that characterize a group of people on the basis of their age; insidiously taking many forms, including prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory institutional policies, and practices that perpetuate stereotypical beliefs. This bias is so commonly accepted in our society that we don’t even recognize it. According to Adams et al., the prejudicial characterization of the elderly invalidates and discriminates because of age and have little to do with that person’s worth, intelligence or capabilities (2013). The intersection of ageism and other forms of oppression compounds to create illogical expectations that perpetuate the devaluation of ourselves as well as the aged.
According to Brownell (2014), older workers are vital to workplace productivity and culture. Aging is a developmental stage in which the aging live active, productive lives well into old age. Negative societal and …show more content…
individual assumptions about aging and older people can take the form of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. A workplace environment reflects the beliefs, vision, and leadership style of top administrators and in turn, determine workplace practices. The climate and culture of an organization and its attitudes towards their work situation and to their co-workers also affect how staff relates to clients and their effectiveness in their service.
According to Brownell (2014), organizational culture is rooted in the assumptions of its members and can create a work environment that is supportive and satisfying for older workers and clients or is inhospitable and hostile for them The first step towards avoiding age discrimination in the workplace is to understand exactly what it is as a way to identify potential problems within the organization. Some strategies may include appraisals of the culture, providing preventive training, and a just commitment to provide a supportive work environment for adults of all ages.
Leland (2008), suggests that ageist messages and practices imply that the elderly are incompetent and assaults their dignity and integrity.
Subliminal and blatant messages of inadequacy and ineptitude have real mental and physical health consequences, including increased stress and an impaired recovery from illness shortening their life span.. When older adults are viewed positively, it will promote a society that is more considerate of their needs, values their contributions and encourages productivity and longevity.
References
Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castañeda, C. R., Hackman, H. W., Peters, M. L., & Zúñiga, X. (2013). Readings for diversity and social justice (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Brownell, P. (2014). Ageism in the Workplace. Encyclopedia of Social Work Doi: 10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.844
Leland, J. (2008). In “sweetie” and “dear,” a hurt for the elderly. The New York Times. Retrieved from
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/us/07aging.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0