Older women in nonindustrial cultures: consequences of power and privilege

In old age, women in many non-Western cultures gain influence, prestige, and freedom. Tensions, however, often develop with disadvantaged younger women who are subject to old women's authority and resent the privileges of their elders. After outlining the benefits of aging for women in nonindustrial cultures, this article examines the particular relations between old and young women that are subject to strain. It is argued that older women have a strong interest in maintaining young women's subordinate position. In a concluding section, the question of how social change affects the position of old women is considered.