What does gerontocracy mean?
Gerontocracy is a form of government or organizational power structure in which older people hold the principal authority. Its meaning is usually critical: to call an institution a gerontocracy suggests that elderly leaders dominate decision-making while younger people are marginalized or excluded. The term can describe governments, political parties, corporations, boards, and other bodies, although it is most often applied to public life. Gerontocracy should not be confused with gerontology, the scientific study of aging, or with the ordinary presence of older people in leadership. The word is especially useful when discussing whether authority and political influence are being exercised in the interests of the elderly at the expense of younger generations. Derived from Greek elements meaning "old" and "power," it gives a precise label to a political arrangement organized by age. It is usually formal, occasionally ironic, and carries a stronger evaluative connotation than neutral terms such as elderly representation or age diversity.
nounA form of government or power structure in which older people hold the principal authority. The term is often used critically to describe political institutions dominated by elderly leaders.
- A government or power structure in which older people hold the principal authority.
"Opposition leaders accused the government of becoming a gerontocracy detached from the needs of younger citizens."
"The aging regime was widely criticized as a gerontocracy that had lost touch with younger generations."
"Critics described the long succession of elderly leaders as a political gerontocracy."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple governments or institutions characterized by rule by older people.
"The study compared gerontocracies in several aging societies."
Gerontocracy literally means "rule by old men," revealing a power structure that can be organized by age rather than by party, wealth, or family ties.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gerontocracy come from?
The modern English word was formed in the early 19th century from Greek roots meaning "old" and "power." Its first element derives from Ancient Greek gérōn, meaning "old man," while the second reflects the Greek -kratia, meaning "rule" or "power." The same old-age root appears in related English words such as geriatric, geriatrics, gerontology, and gerontologist.
Related word forms
How gerontocracy is actually used
The word is formal and generally evaluative rather than neutral. It is common in political and social commentary and may imply that authority is concentrated among elderly leaders to the exclusion of younger people.
Easily confused with gerontocracy
Gerontocracy is a system of rule by older people, whereas gerontology is the study of aging and the later stages of life.