Age stereotypes of middle school students

Abstract

One of the key elements in preventing age-based prejudice and discrimination is understanding stereotypes about age groups. Stereotypes are adopted in the early stages of life and become more resistant to change in later years. Identifying the stereotypes of adolescents contributes to research aimed at developing effective interventions in schools and helps combat ageism. The current study reveals the stereotypes of eighth-grade students (aged 14) about older people and young people. Within the scope of the research, data was collected through open-ended questionnaires from students at two middle schools in Ankara, Türkiye, which differed in terms of socioeconomic status and academic achievement. The study found that stereotypical content about older people included (a) reactionary mindset, (b) physical and mental weakness, (c) kindness and wisdom; while stereotypes about young people were classified into the following categories: (a) problematic behavior, (b) innovative mindset, (c) physical activity and superiority, and (d) emotional collapse. Overall, the results of the study reveal the need for educational interventions in schools to reduce students’ age stereotypes.

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