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Figure 10.10 Selected Socioeconomic Characteristics of Elderly Americans. From this figure, some comparative statements can be made about the economic situation of elderly Americans. What are two important statements that can be supported by these data?
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000.
Unit 3 Social Inequality
Whites
African Americans
Latinos
Women
Men
Median Income
$14,374
$9,766
$8,780
$10,943
$19,079
Percent in Poverty
8.3%
22.7%
20.4%
11.8%
6.9%
interest group
a group organized to influence political decision making
“The older I get, the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.
H. L. Mencken American critic
Most analysts believe that the potential political power of elderly Americans as a group is not fully realized because of the diversity of the older population. Because older people cut across many important divisions in American society—social class, ethnicity, race, geographic area, religion—they do not speak with a unified political voice. In fact, they do not vote as a bloc on any political question, even on issues related directly to their interests. This lack of unity weakens their po- litical clout. As the population of the United States ages, however, and the number of elderly voters increases, it is possible that “gray power” may be-
come a significant political force.
What is the role of interest groups? Interest groups are organized to influence political decision making. Millions of Americans belong to interest groups that target ageism, such as the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) and the Gray Panthers. These groups have been effective in protecting programs that benefit older Americans, such as Medicare and Social Security.
Section 5 Assessment
1. Of the following, which is an accurate statement?
a. Since 1960, the economic situation for elderly people in the United
States has deteriorated.
b. The poverty rate for Americans over age sixty-five is lower than the
official count indicates.
c. Problems of older Americans who are members of racial or ethnic
minorities are generally more severe than problems of elderly
whites.
d. Older Americans are politically vulnerable.
2. What can older Americans do to increase their impact on government policy and legislation?
Critical Thinking
3. Drawing Conclusions Create mini-profiles of five elderly people you know. Identify them by racial, ethnic, gender, and occupational group. Interview each of them briefly about their main concerns regarding
Does voting lead to political power?
aging in America. What conclusions can you draw from these interviews?
“