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Aging and ageism play a critical role in the intersectionality of race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class. The term ageism was initially introduced in 1969 by physician, gerontologist, and psychiatrist Robert N. Butler, who served as the first Director of the National Institute of Aging. Although Butler, and many others who succeeded him in the field of gerontology, have generated greater awareness that a person's talents and abilities should not be restricted by age many of deep-seated biases and long-held perceptions continue to shape societal views about aging, and influence thought patterns, speech, and writings. Schlesinger Library’s legacy finding aids and other public facing documents reflect many of these biases, which include outdated and harmful terminology. Fortunately, as a special collections repository that documents women’s history and activism, many of our personal papers and organizational records highlight efforts to counteract the stigma of ageism through material support and advocacy.
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Examples of collections in our holdings that promote the aging process: Age and Ageism: Report of a Study on Ageism Experienced by Older Women, ca.1975. Papers of Marjory Collins, 1904-1985, MC 682; T-391, 5.37., Box: 5. https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/c/sch01351c00083/catalog Matilda White Riley Papers, 1844-2019: https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/sch01620/catalog Lucile Schuck Longview Papers, 1927-2010: https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/sch01469/catalog Jane Dewey Heald Papers, 1920-2011: https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/sch01576/catalog Desert Years, at KPFA, Berkeley, California. April 28, 1990. Audiotape collection of Cynthia Rich and Barbara Macdonald, 1973-1990, T-338, 13., Audiotape: 01. https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/c/sch01246c00009/catalog |
Definition and background
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