In this term paper, age discrimination is analyzed in terms of Social Identity Theory and the Contact Hypothesis. The aim was to explain essential aspects and to provide a rough, general overview of the topic, since age discrimination is less researched and present than other forms of discrimination. In a first step, the terms discrimination and age discrimination were defined. It was then determined that the causes of age discrimination could be explained by Social Identity Theory, and with the help of the Contact Hypothesis, ways were found to reduce negative attitudes towards older people. On this basis, recommendations and strategies for action were developed to reduce age prejudice and thus minimize age discrimination.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Discrimination and Ageism
- Presentation of the Theories
- Social Identity Theory
- Contact Hypothesis
- Ageism in contemporary Research
- Why do I dread looking old? A test of Social Identity Theory, Terror Management Theory, and the double standard of aging
- Study Contact Hypothesis Predicting Trainee Ageism Using Knowledge, Anxiety, Compassion, and Contact with Older Adults
- Contact quality and attitudes toward the elderly
- Strategies for Action
- Reflection
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The aim of this paper is to analyze age discrimination through the lens of Social Identity Theory and the Contact Hypothesis. The paper explores the causes of age discrimination and proposes ways to reduce negative attitudes towards older people. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic, highlighting the prevalence of ageism and its negative impact on individuals and society.
- Age discrimination as a prevalent and under-researched form of prejudice.
- Explaining the causes of age discrimination through Social Identity Theory.
- Proposing strategies to reduce age prejudice based on the Contact Hypothesis.
- The impact of age stereotypes and negative attitudes on older adults.
- Recommendations for actions to combat age discrimination.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces age discrimination as a prevalent issue, highlighting the lack of research and its societal impact. It establishes the focus on ageism against older people and outlines the paper's structure.
- Discrimination and Ageism: This chapter defines the term discrimination and explores its various manifestations. It then focuses on ageism, defining it as prejudice against older people and exploring its negative consequences, including stereotypes, language use, and structural limitations.
- Presentation of the Theories: This chapter introduces Social Identity Theory and Contact Hypothesis. It explains how Social Identity Theory can be used to understand the causes of age discrimination, while the Contact Hypothesis offers ways to reduce negative attitudes toward older people.
- Ageism in Contemporary Research: This chapter presents three studies that illustrate the application of Social Identity Theory and Contact Hypothesis to ageism. The studies explore the influence of social identity, terror management, and contact quality on attitudes towards older people.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Age discrimination, ageism, Social Identity Theory, Contact Hypothesis, prejudice, stereotypes, negative attitudes, older adults, intergroup communication, inclusive society.
- Quote paper
- Lara Kamprath (Author), 2021, Ageism. Causes and ways to reduce age prejudice in relation to Social Identity Theory and the Contact Hypothesis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1248883
