paper in process… this is only the beginning (if that)
I am revisiting a paper I wrote in graduate school as a starting point.
The first topic I am researching is ageism.
The paper has no focus yet — I think that will come with time. And time is the most luxurious thing I have gained after grad school.
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What is ageism?
Simply put, ageism consists of a negative bias or stereotypic attitude toward aging and the aged.
Stereotyping is our way of dealing with large amounts of information. I believe it becomes problematic when these beliefs affect our decision making and interactions with others.
Why ageism?
Traxler (1980) outlines four factors that have contributed to this negative image of aging.
ONE: fear of death in Western society
Butler (1969) states: “Ageism reflects a deep seated uneasiness on the part of the young and middle-aged – a personal revulsion to and distaste for growing old, disease, disability; and a fear of powerlessness, ‘uselessness’, and death” (p. 243)
TWO: emphasis on the youth culture American society
Persons who are dependent on physical appearance and youth for their identity are likely to experience loss of self-esteem with age (Block, Davidson, & Grumbs, 1981).
THREE: emphasis in American culture productivity
The middle-aged are perceived as carrying the burdens imposed by children and the aged. (Butler, 1969). While children are seen as having future economic potential, elderly are perceived as a financial liability.
FOUR: poorly controlled gerontological studies that reinforce negative image
When aging was originally studied, researchers went to long-term care institutions where the aged were easy to find. However, only 5 percent of the older population is institutionalized. Thus, the early research on the aged and aging was based upon non-well, institutionalized older individuals. There is still a need for more research to be undertaken using a healthy, community-dwelling older population.
Who cares?
This is the question I am struggling with the most. I am not interested in publishing this article or presenting it at a conference, nor am I looking for some type of concrete outcome (i.e. change the world). So I believe the paper is just self-indulgent and free standing. It will be an analysis, not a preposition. Its main purpose will be for me to get this topic out of my system and see where that leads me. (another post graduate luxury. No stress of where is this going… it just is.)
