Age Discrimination and Employment

Introduction

Age discrimination occurs when one particular age group is treated differently to another age group on the grounds of chronological age. A less favorable treatment can occur, for example when a person is refused medical treatment because they are deemed too old. Also, it can manifest through the assumption that older people have a decline in their intellect due to their age, and a decline in their cognitive and physical performance. Individuals regardless of age should not be treated different than younger employees on any basis if they are equally qualified and capable of performing the same duties. The view of older people as burdens or dependents, has left an uneven playing field for those older people trying to compete in the job-market with the stereotypes and stigma of being old.

History

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) was created to address arbitrary discrimination in the workplace because of age. An employer cannot fail or refuse to hire or fire an individual or discriminate against with respects to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of age. Due to the concern of older workers being deprived of employment on the basis of stereotypes, congress passed The Age Discriminating in Employment Act of 1967. The law protects employees who are 40 years or older, from age discrimination.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 finds that in the face of rising productivity and affluence; older workers find themselves disadvantaged in their efforts to retain employment, and especially to regain employment when displaced from jobs; the setting of arbitrary age limits regardless of potential for job performance has become a common ...

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...on is everywhere and it’s a stigma that needs not to be overlooked. To some being old can mean more experience, but usually these qualities are overlooked, and people over 40 are experiencing a harder than usually time finding a job. The discrimination that happens to job seekers and those currently employed over 40 is something that goes against the core beliefs that our forefathers fled for in the first place. To be discriminated against due to age, race, color, religion, and gender happens and is unfortunate, but with The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, we are one step closer to a more equal and less stereotypical society that promotes freedom to all. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 was a great step towards the equality and freedom employees and job seekers need and deserve given to us by our forefathers.