Biased Media? Explaining Age Discrimination Claims With Media Stereotypes

• In Event: Top Papers in Intergroup Communication

Abstract

Previous research on the effects of media stereotypes has been predominantly conducted in the laboratory. The current investigation uniquely investigates overtime effects of media stereotypes about younger and older workers on the filing of age discrimination claims by these groups. The study draws on a computer-assisted content analysis of 2,377 Dutch news articles published between 2004 – 2014, and applies time-series analysis to quarterly aggregated media stereotypes and discrimination claims. This study shows that, in relative terms, older workers receive more negative stereotypes and less positive stereotypes compared to younger workers. In addition, we found support for the assumption that negative stereotypes about older workers contribute to age discrimination claims filed by this group. This study highlights the important role of media in defining and redefining dominant stereotypes of older workers and shaping discriminatory outcomes in the workplace.

Author

• Anne Cornelia Kroon, uva