Ageism and Age Discrimination: The Experiences and Perceptions of Older Employees

Abstract

This chapter explores reasons for the lower employment participation rates of older people by considering the views and perspectives of older people themselves. The chapter begins by setting out some contextual issues. In section 8.2 some recent qualitative research that provides an ‘insider perspective’ on the views of older men and women is reviewed. Within this body of work, a range of factors that constrain the employment of older people has been identified. Among these factors, ageist attitudes are found to be of particular importance since these are manifested in discriminatory practices. In section 8.3 new research by the authors is presented which explores in detail how ageism can restrict the opportunities of older people in employment. Section 8.4 concludes.