Protecting Older Workers: The Failure of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967

Authors

Jessica Z. Rothenberg, New York University
Daniel S. Gardner, New York University

Keywords

ADEA; older workers; age discrimination; ageism; retirement; critical gerontology

Abstract

A growing number of older adults are finding that retirement is no longer affordable and they must work well into their later years. Unfortunately, over 42 years after passage of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, age discrimination in the workplace continues to present serious impediments to employment in later life. Using a critical gerontology perspective, this paper reviews the history of work-related age discrimination and analyzes the ADEA and its limited effectiveness at protecting the civil and economic rights of older workers. The authors discuss implications and suggest policy alternatives that would support the employment and enhance the economic well-being of older adults.

Recommended Citation

Rothenberg, Jessica Z. and Gardner, Daniel S. (2011) "Protecting Older Workers: The Failure of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 38: Iss. 1, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3582
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol38/iss1/2