Marxist

• Marx

  Reserved army of labour (developed by castles and kosack). Younger/older people serve as a secondary labour source, being used during economic booms for temporary roles.

  This is exemplified by 0 hour contracts
• Gramsci

  False class consciousness:

  • People do not realise their exploitations because of concessions (child benefit & pensions). This creates a form of dependency that youth and elderly don't question
• Townsend and philipson

  Political economy theory - capitalisms need for a productive workforce leads to the marginalisation of the elderly. To maximise profit, capitalism requires younger, physically able workers so older people are pushed out of the labour market. Forced dependency takes place as the elderly are forced to retire.
• Townsend

  older people and young people face social exclusion and marginalization in society because capitalist systems prioritise economic productivity. Since these age groups are often less involved in paid employment, they are seen as less “economically valuable.” This leads to their exclusion from full participation in society and lower social status.