Senior Esteem as a Factor of Socioeconomic Complexity

Sheehan, Tom

doi:10.1093/geront/16.5.433

Cited by 13 publications

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“…Historically, gerontocracy was more likely to be found in sedentary than in nomadic societies (Sheehan, 1976). In sedentary societies, older people are not a burden for other members, since they can find useful activities despite the fact that they cannot hunt, cultivate or fight.…”

Section: The Comparative Advantage Effectmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gerontocracy in a comparative perspective: Explaining why political leaders are (almost always) older than their constituents

Magni-Berton

Panel

2020

Sociology Compass

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Gerontocracy, in its narrowest sense, refers to political systems ruled by elderly people, whether de jure or de facto. Although formal gerontocratic rules are progressively disappearing, contemporary political systems are still governed by individuals who are significantly older than the mean voter. This article reviews existing explanations for the prevalence of gerontocracy. To summarize main findings, gerontocracy cannot be explained by the leadership qualities of older rulers: aging leaders do not perform better in office and voters seem to be aware of it. Instead, existing research suggests that gerontocracy can be explained by strategic considerations. In autocracies, the selectorate tends to choose aging leaders in order to reduce their expected tenure length. In democracies, voters are more likely to select experienced candidates, which they expect to be more effective at advancing the interests of their constituency: this premium put on experience mechanically lengthens political careers and increases the age of the average politician. Finally, older voters, which participate more in politics, tend to prefer older politicians, because they (correctly) expect them to better defend their own interests.

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Section: The Comparative Advantage Effectmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gerontocracy in a comparative perspective: Explaining why political leaders are (almost always) older than their constituents

Magni-Berton

Panel

2020

Sociology Compass

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“…Thailand is rapidly undergoing modernization, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of modernization, according to some theorists (Cowgill 1974;Cowgill and Holmes 1972;Press and McKool 1972;Sheehan 1976;Treas 1977). Modernizing factors especially affecting family relationships of the elderly include:…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Family care of the elderly in Northeast Thailand: Changing patterns

Caffrey

1992

J Cross-Cultural Gerontol

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Using exchange theory, the effects of the change from a kin-based to a cash-based economic system on family care to the elderly in rural Northeast Thailand are examined. Eighty-nine households from three sites representing three levels of development were analyzed in relation to family and household membership, as well as economic and employment status. In addition, 32 elders from two old age homes were interviewed. This study found that, in general, the more land a household owns, the more likely the traditional pattern of elder caregiving will be maintained. When land is limited, children leave to find employment elsewhere and will try to send money to help their parents as they are able. Poverty plays a major role in the perceived quality of life of these elders.

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“…There is a great deal of literature describing the cultural conditions which contribute to high or low status in old age (Simmons 1946;Rosow 1965;Maxwell and Silverman 1970;Press and McKool 1972;Sheehan 1976). Individual actions of the elderly must operate within the limitations of these status-generating factors.…”

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confidence: 99%

Book review essay

1987

J Cross-Cultural Gerontol

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Senior Esteem as a Factor of Socioeconomic Complexity

Cited by 13 publications

References 0 publications

Gerontocracy in a comparative perspective: Explaining why political leaders are (almost always) older than their constituents

Gerontocracy in a comparative perspective: Explaining why political leaders are (almost always) older than their constituents

Family care of the elderly in Northeast Thailand: Changing patterns

Book review essay

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