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Expanding Our Conceptualization of Ageism: Moving Toward an Intersectional Lifespan Approach

Walker, Ruth Virginia

Abstract Details

2016, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Psychology-Adult Development and Aging.
Ageism is a form of age-based discrimination most frequently studied in terms of unequal treatment toward older adults (Butler, 1969; 2005). Ageism is unique from other forms of discrimination as anyone can experience it if they live long enough (Palmore, 2001); this presents concerns for aging women, by the virtue of their longer lifespan, and the potential intersection of experiences with ageism with experiences with sexism, racism, and other forms of inequality (Kochanek et al., 2011). A focus on attitudes and prejudice toward older adults in the literature has resulted in limited empirical understandings of experiences with ageism, with research on ageism lagging behind research on racism and sexism. Utilizing both lifespan development theory (Baltes, 1987) and intersectionality theory (McCall, 2005), the purpose of this study is to utilize phenomenological methods to describe experiences with ageism across adulthood and to answer the following research questions: (1) How, if at all, is ageism gendered?, (2) How, if at all, does the experience of ageism differ across the lifespan?, and (3) In what ways does understanding how experiences with ageism are shaped by gender and age add to our conceptualization of ageism? A total of 70 participants, 22-87 years old, participated in story circles and in-depth interviews exploring how they have been treated due to their age and gender. Using phenomenological methodology, participants' responses were analyzed and clustered into three broad thematic categories: (a) context matters, (b) short-term reactions to discrimination, and (c) long-term reactions to discrimination. The results suggest implications for theory and policy development as well as clinical interventions.
Toni Bisconti (Advisor)
150 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Walker, R. V. (2016). Expanding Our Conceptualization of Ageism: Moving Toward an Intersectional Lifespan Approach [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1467905345

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Walker, Ruth. Expanding Our Conceptualization of Ageism: Moving Toward an Intersectional Lifespan Approach. 2016. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1467905345.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Walker, Ruth. "Expanding Our Conceptualization of Ageism: Moving Toward an Intersectional Lifespan Approach." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1467905345

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)