A Critical Perspective on Ageism and Modernization Theory

• De Tavernier, Wouter ^[1] ; Naegele, Laura ^[2] ; Hess, Moritz ^[3]
  1. [1] KU Leuven

     KU Leuven

     Arrondissement Leuven, Bélgica

     
  2. [2] University of Vechta

     University of Vechta

     Landkreis Vechta, Alemania

     
  3. [3] University of Bremen

     University of Bremen

     Kreisfreie Stadt Bremen, Alemania

     

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• Localización: Social Inclusion, ISSN-e 2183-2803, Vol. 7, Nº. 3, 1, 2019 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Old-Age Exclusion), págs. 54-57
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.17645/si.v7i3.2371
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• Resumen

  • Modernization theory has often been used to explain country differences in levels of ageism. The commentary at hand questions its usefulness in the analysis of ageism today for two reasons. First, modernization theory was developed to discuss social status of older people, not ageism. Second, social policies and management practices that emerged with industrialization are being rolled back over the last decades. We therefore argue for the reconsideration of the relationship between modernization and ageism and to re-assess it in order to better explain country differences in ageism in the 21st century.