Gerontocracy: Rule by the Elderly
academic · Gerontocracy in America by Samuel Moyn (2023)
Gerontocracy describes a society or institution dominated by the elderly, often leading to the hoarding of power, wealth, and opportunity at the expense of younger generations.
Core Concepts
The Problem
As populations age, older individuals disproportionately occupy top positions in politics, business, and academia, potentially stifling innovation and creating intergenerational inequity.
The Claim
Societies risk becoming gerontocracies when they lack mechanisms to transfer power and resources between generations, harming economic growth and social mobility.
Key Evidence
- •Samuel Moyn's book 'Gerontocracy in America' documents the concentration of power among the old in US politics and the economy.
- •Historical examples include the Senate's age distribution, the Supreme Court's life tenure, and corporate boards with mandatory retirement ages only recently abolished.
- •Research on intergenerational equity has highlighted how older cohorts accumulate wealth while younger generations struggle with student debt and housing costs.
Practical Implication
If gerontocracy is unchecked, it could lead to political stagnation, missed opportunities for younger leaders, and a sense of disenfranchisement among the young. Some propose policies like age limits for elected officials or mandatory retirement to counteract this.
Nuance & Limits
Not all old societies become gerontocracies; some cultures respect elders but ensure pathways for the young. Additionally, experience and wisdom from older leaders can be valuable, so the challenge is balancing the two.
Source Material
Citation Density
dozens
Related Ideas
Both concepts involve zero-sum thinking about jobs and opportunities between groups.
Gaps
- ⚠ Empirical studies quantifying the direct economic impact of gerontocracy on growth rates are scarce.
- ⚠ The concept is often used polemically rather than analytically, with varying definitions.
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