https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780192894090.003.0003

Abstract

This chapter compares age discrimination and disability discrimination. It asks whether, if we are inclined to accept the view that the disadvantages of disability are largely caused by an ableist social environment, we should also accept the view that the disadvantages of old age are largely caused by an ageist social environment. The chapter argues that the view that ageist social environments are primarily responsible for the disadvantages of old age should be rejected. Therefore, we should also reject the view that ableist social environments are primarily responsible for the disadvantages of disability. Yet, while insisting that our views on disability constrain those we adopt on age, the chapter also stresses that we should not overstate the importance of the distinction between medical and social causes of the disadvantages associated with disability. Rather, we should pay more attention to the specific ways old age and disability cause disadvantage instead of trying to defend broad generalizations about what family of causes predominates.