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Ageism and Mistreatment of Older Workers pp 17–28Cite as

Definitions and Theoretical Models for Understanding Ageism and Abuse in the Workplace

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Abstract

Gerontologists in both practice and policy focus on the latest research to determine the most effective treatment for clients, as well as the most effective ways to target social problems. Recently, the economic crisis in the US has led to an increase in media coverage of older workers who are being laid off, forced to retire, or are working longer than planned. Embedded in these reports are the undertones of ageism and emotional abuse in the workplace. For example, individuals 60 and older are finding it hard to get a job simply because of their age, and conversely are finding it harder to retain their jobs due to forced retirement. Gerontologists need to start embracing ageism and abuse in the workplace as possible co-occurring issues rather than two issues existing in individual silos in order to effectively implement practices and policies that will address both issues.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    (Rivera Rodriguez v. Frito Lay Snacks Caribbean, 265 F.3d 15, 24 (1st Cir. 2001)), the Law Firm Passman & Kaplan, PC Attorneys Washington, District of Columbia noted that “[a]lthough hostile work environment claims are recognized under the ADEA, the court asserted it is well established that compensatory damages for emotional distress and pain and suffering arising from a discriminatorily hostile or abusive environment based on age are not allowed” (No Compensatory Damages Under ADEA, n.d., para. 5).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School Social Service, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA

    Patricia Brownell Ph.D. & Mebane Powell M.S.W.

Authors
  1. Patricia Brownell Ph.D.
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  2. Mebane Powell M.S.W.
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Correspondence to Mebane Powell M.S.W. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Graduate School Social Service, Fordhan University, West 60 Street, 7th floor, New York, 10023, New York, USA

    Patricia Brownell

  2. , Office of the Provost and Executive Vice, Menlo College, El Camino Real 100, Atherton, 94027-4301, USA

    James J. Kelly

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Brownell, P., Powell, M. (2013). Definitions and Theoretical Models for Understanding Ageism and Abuse in the Workplace. In: Brownell, P., Kelly, J. (eds) Ageism and Mistreatment of Older Workers. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5521-5_2

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