Reducing Ageism and Enhancing Social Activism in Middle School: The Use of Diverse Measures of Ageism

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a short educational intervention to reduce ageism and enhance social activism among adolescents. The study involved a 90-min workshop for 318 Israeli adolescents (aged 11 to 15, 73.9% females). Familiarity with the concept “ageism” and attitudes toward older persons were assessed before and after the intervention. The findings indicate an improved familiarity with the concept “ageism,” while adolescents drew upon concepts such as discrimination and racism to define ageism. Following the intervention, a diverse range of age-related stereotypes emerged, signaling a shift toward more positive perceptions, with notable growth in positive age stereotypes, especially among females. Finally, about two-thirds of created memes targeted ageism against older persons, 18.98% promoted an age-inclusive world, and 17.15% addressed ageism toward children and young persons. Implications for reducing ageism in adolescence and for measuring social change in ageism are discussed.