[Status in old age--an explanation based on ethnosociological research of aging]

Most social-gerontological studies on status are based on the "premise" that traditional societies accord high status to old age, whereas modern societies accord it lower status. In this context it has been postulated that a contrast exists between the traditional rather human world and a modern one which does not give a high value to older people. The discussion deals with the above dichotomous "traditional-modern" approach and the question arises about to what extent this approach is valid in giving insights into modern societies and into all the different cultures we think about when referring to "traditional" societies. The discussion then leads to the question of the close connection between status in old age and power and its influence on younger generations. This will be exemplified by reference to the Australian aborigines and some African peoples.