Reflections on perceived gendered ageism in the U.S. federal civil service

Abstract

Issues related to age are often overlooked when researchers conduct studies of demographic groups in the U.S. workforce. This results in limited understanding of the work experiences of older workers – especially women. In the few studies that have focused on older women, the women who were interviewed disclosed consistent pressure to look young as well as feeling overlooked at work resulting in perceptions of diminished opportunities. This article concludes with recommendations for practice.