Ageism

• In Event: Routledge Handbook on European Penology – II. European Penality – Developments in Penal Practices

Abstract

The European continent has one of the highest proportion of older adults globally, yet it also struggles with a significant presence of ageism. Ageism can take many forms including prejudicial attitudes, discriminatory acts, and institutional policies and practices that perpetuate stereotypical beliefs. Ageism permeates different sectors of society, but its potential implications within the penal system have been underexplored. The increasing number of older prisoners especially poses a significant challenge for European jurisdictions, as the prison structure primarily caters to younger inmates, often neglecting the unique needs and interests of older individuals. Similarly, European penology has yet to fully incorporate (old) age as a focal point in research agendas. This presentation aims to shed light on how ageism infiltrates the penal system by addressing existing knowledge (gaps), sharing some of the lived experiences of ageism that have been overlooked, and identifying promising areas for future research.

Author

• Diete Humblet, Vrije Universiteit Brussel