Ageism : past, present, and future / Tay K. McNamara and John B. Williamson

Includes bibliographical references (pages [138]-154) and index

Introduction - ageism : the elephant or the mouse -- Ageism in perspective. Missing pieces of the puzzle : theories of ageism and discrimination ; What do you owe your parents? The imperfect link between economic development and ageism ; Framing ageism : the well-educated barista in historical perspective ; Ageism at the crossroads : intersectionality and the life course -- Ageism in context. Mass media and the segementation of ageism : a look at stereotypes on Facebook ; An ecology of ageism : health care from the individual out ; Peripheral ageism in employment : from explanation to action ; Three ways to use an ideology : a political economy of ageism -- Conclusion - the ghosts of ageism's future : five take-away messages

Ageism: Past, Present, and Future' presents perspectives for understanding ageism and puts ageism in the context of specific social institutions. McNamara and Williamson uniquely provide a number of complementary ways to understand ageism, including social and psychological theories of ageism, economic development, ageism as frame or lens, and ageism at the intersection of various social categories such as gender and race. They then put ageism in the context of mass media, health care, employment, and public policy. This short text is an ideal addition to courses on sociology of aging, social policy, and social problems