Age Discrimination in the Workplace: A Look at Different Work Sectors in the United States
Age discrimination is a form of prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s age. It can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including in the workplace. In the United States, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants age 40 or older. However, age discrimination still occurs in the workplace, and it can have a significant impact on older workers.
This article will explore the issue of age discrimination in the workplace, focusing on different work sectors in the United States. It will discuss the prevalence of age discrimination, the impact of age discrimination on older workers, and the laws that protect older workers from age discrimination.
Prevalence of Age Discrimination in the Workplace
A study by the AARP found that 78% of workers age 45 and older have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace. The study also found that age discrimination is more common in certain industries, such as technology, finance, and healthcare.
There are a number of reasons why age discrimination occurs in the workplace. Some employers may believe that older workers are less productive or adaptable than younger workers. Others may believe that older workers are more expensive to hire and train. Still others may simply have ageist attitudes.
Impact of Age Discrimination on Older Workers
Age discrimination can have a significant impact on older workers. It can lead to job loss, lower wages, and a lack of opportunities for advancement. It can also lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that older workers who experience age discrimination are more likely to be unemployed for longer periods of time. They are also more likely to take lower-paying jobs and to have lower levels of job satisfaction.
Laws that Protect Older Workers from Age Discrimination
The ADEA is the primary law that protects older workers from age discrimination. The ADEA prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants age 40 or older in hiring, firing, compensation, benefits, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
The ADEA also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file age discrimination complaints or who participate in age discrimination investigations.
Conclusion
Age discrimination is a serious problem in the workplace. It can have a significant impact on older workers, leading to job loss, lower wages, and a lack of opportunities for advancement. The ADEA is the primary law that protects older workers from age discrimination, but it is important to remember that the ADEA does not prohibit all age distinctions in the workplace. For example, an employer may require a certain level of experience or education for a particular job, even if this requirement has a discriminatory impact on older workers.
If you believe that you have been the victim of age discrimination, you should contact an attorney who specializes in employment law. You may also want to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is a federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws, including the ADEA.
References
AARP. (2021, February 1). Age discrimination in the workplace: AARP survey finds it’s common. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/work/age-discrimination/common-at-work/
National Bureau of Economic Research. (2016, September). Age discrimination and the labor market. Retrieved from https://www.nber.org/papers/w22425
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2023, March 8). Age discrimination. Retrieved from https://www.eeoc.gov/age-discrimination
