Gerontocracy

Definition of Gerontocracy

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Gerontocracy: Rule by elders. A society in which power, wealth and prestige flow upwards within an age pyramid. While authority or power was in the hands of elders in many small-scale societies and great reverence was paid to them, in modern society wealth may flow towards the elders but there is little positive evaluation or prestige bestowed on the elderly and they are seen as having little authority.

Gerontocracy: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Gerontocracy. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada