4a - Contemporary patterns and trends of inequality and difference in relation to age, in particular in the workplace. Flashcards
Economic inequality
Economically young people are likely to earn less and have less wealth stored than other sections of the population. Older people may also suffer from low levels of income as they retire. In fact 33% of single pensioners live below the poverty line and 19% of those living in poverty are pensioners. Within pensioner groups however, there are differences between those who are married and single (single female pensioners are the most likely group to live in poverty), and according to ethnicity (Bangladeshi and Pakistani British women are particularly vulnerable (Ginnn and Arber).
Inequality in the workplace
European legislation passed in 2006 made age discrimination illegal. However, a MORI survey found 1 in 5 workers questioned reported having been discriminated against on the grounds of age. People nearing retirement report being sidelined and ‘put out to pasture’. Young people report being patronised and overlooked due to assumptions about their skills and experience.
Arber and Ginn
Arber and Ginn argue that older people make significant contributions to the economy via unpaid work. For example, they care for grandchildren and volunteer for charities in larger numbers than other groups. Older people also provide loans, emotional support and help with practical issues such as offering housing when necessary.
inequality in health
Older people suffer discrimination in health treatment. All women who are aged 50-70 and registered with a GP are automatically invited for breast cancer screening every three years. Meanwhile younger women cannot be screened on the NHS for cervical cancer until they reach 25. Medics may argue that these age limits are medically sound decisions yet age limits, especially for the older population, reflect assumptions our societies make about who is valuable.
Inequality in the media - Hockey and James
Old age is often linked to childhood. In the media and everyday life the elderly and childhood are often linked together. Hockey and James point out that ‘very old people may jokingly be described as entering their ‘second childhood’, In the media children and the elderly are often portrayed as having an affinity with one another because they are both dependent. In the process old age is infantilised. The elderly are made to seem child-like and as a result they lose the status of being adults who have full personhood.
Inequality in the media - Jenny Hockey
The consequences of this were demonstrated in studies by Jenny Hockey of old people’s homes. Hockey found that the clients of old people’s homes were often treated like children. They were not allowed to keep their own money, which instead was looked after by the staff who would give them ‘pocket money’ if they needed it. The privacy of their body was often invaded, as staff members washed, bathed or dressed them. and they were given few choices about daily routine such as when they ate or even when they went to the toilet.
Inequality in the media young people
Young people have also been stereotyped by the media. The CCCS (Centre for contemporary cultural studies) in Birmingham showed how young people who feel marginalised may use sub cultures and style statements to make a political point. For example, teddy boys argue that their sub culture reflected an attempt by a marginalised group (white, working class young men) to try to gain political space outside of the dominant culture. However, the CCCS showed how the media report on such youth groups in a negative fashion. This is evidence that youth groups may face inequality in the way the media treat them.
evaluation
Postmodern theory suggests roles associated with certain age groups are breaking down. Pilcher notes that it is increasingly argued that the modern form of the life course is breaking down. The boundaries between different stages may be increasingly blurred. As people become more concerned about self-identity they may present themselves or act in ways which contradict the norms associated with different life course stages. For example, children may dress more like adults and old or middle aged people may dress in youthful styles.
