Age Discrimination

This volume brings together top scholars in industrial and organizational psychology with social psychologists to explore the research and theory relating to various areas of workplace discrimination. Many of the contributors to this book participated in a conference on workplace discrimination held at Rice University in May 2000. The idea came from the realization that there had been no attempt to bring together the various literatures on the topic. Discrimination and issues of employment diversity are significant topics today in IO psychology, business, and human resource management. This edited volume examines the following components of this important discussion: *how to explain discrimination in organizations; *understanding discrimination against specific groups; and *implications for practical efforts to reduce discrimination. This book brings together, in one volume, a review of the research on discrimination based on race, age, sexual orientation, gender, physical appearance, disability, and personality. In addition, it explores the multilevel antecedents and potential bases for a general model of discrimination in the workplace. While social psychological research and theory have provided invaluable insights, an understanding of discrimination in the workplace and solutions will require incorporating factors at the organizational level in addition to factors at the individual and group levels. Although a definitive model is not reached, the aim of this text is to facilitate future research and theory.

Preface I: Introduction Prospects for Older Worders: The Demographic and Economic Context by Steven H. Sandell Labor Market Problems and Employment Policies Affecting Older Americans by Steven H. Sandell II: Labor Market Problems The Reduced Pay of Older Job Losers: Age Discrimination and Other Explanations by David Shapiro and Steven H. Sandell Age Changes in Productivity and Earnings Among Managers and Professionals by Paul Andirsani Market for Part-Time Employment by Jim Jondrow, Frank Brechling, and Alan Marcus Older Workers, Job Displacement, and the Employment Service by Terry R. Johnson, Katherine P. Dickinson, and Richard W. West III: Policies and Prospects Government Employment and Training Programs, and Older Americans by Kalman Rupp, Edward Bryant, Richard Mantovani, and Michael Rhoads Increasing Employment Opportunities for Older Workers: Emerging State and Local Institutions by James O. Gollub Work Alternatives for Older Americans: A Management Perspective by Carolyn Paul Private-Sector Employment Practices for Older Workers by Lawrence S. Root and Laura H. Zarrugh Restructuring Social Security: How Will Retirement Ages Respond? by Gary S. Fields and Olivia S. Mitchell Health Plan Costs, Medicare, and Employment of Older Workers by Joseph M. Anderson, David L. Kennell, and John F. Sheils Retirement and Older Americans' Participation in Volunteer Acitivities by Carol Jusenius Romero IV: Conclusions The Problem Isn't Age: Conclusions and Implications by Steven H. Sandell Selected Bibliography Index

The chapters in this anthology examine, among other things, the growth of gerontology as a discipline, the phenomenon of ageism as a socio-cultural concept, identity politics in which older persons are perceived as belonging to a separate culture or subculture, and images of the older body in cultural perspective.

Bass and his colleagues focus needed attention on the majority of older people who, in their senior years, possess relatively good health and demonstrated abilities. They offer significant potential to society, affording a resource that only in relatively recent times, has been largely unrecognized or ignored. Major issues and obstacles are identified and addressed. These include considerations relative to employment, workplace environment, volunteerism, gender, and ethnic culture. The authors examine roles, both social and economic, which older people can successfully fulfill. They urge a broadening of the options available to us as we age that extend beyond leisure activities and family involvement. They recognize the need for changes in perceptions and the necessary modification of society's institutions to enable choice and greater satisfaction in the later years of life.

Statistics show that women live longer than men, and that they constitute a substantial majority of the North American population over age 50. But lack of empirical data on aging women has helped to perpetuate numerous myths and stereotypes. This reference provides a comprehensive overview of current research on women and aging. Chapters are written by expert contributors and are grouped in sections devoted to historical and theoretical views, economic concerns, health and lifestyle issues, demographic information, and relationships. Chapters reflect research on women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, the particular needs of the rural elderly, the problem of sexism and ageism, and the impact of significant life events, such as retirement and widowhood. Chapters cite current research, and the volume closes with a selected bibliography of major studies.