Ageism, ageism, or anti-ageism? According to researcher Mirian Goldenberg, an anthropologist and professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), all three terms are correct and can be used to define prejudice or violence against people due to age. According to her, young people can also be victims – for example, in the job selection process, when younger candidates can be excluded due to an alleged lack of experience. However, the Enem 2025 article, on Sunday, about the aging of the Brazilian population, the expressions should be used as a bias against the elderly.
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Despite the three options, Goldenberg adopts a fourth doctrine in his works:
– Ageism is most common; Age discrimination has come into use because it is considered more obvious and entirely valid; Ageism is a foreign term that comes from the word “age” (“age” in English), but it is also true – he says. – I prefer Filophobia, which immediately makes clear where it comes from, which is very important in Brazil, a country with severe Filophobia.
The first day of Enem 2025 proposed, in addition to 90 thematic questions, an article entitled “Perspectives on Aging in Brazilian Society”. According to the researcher, “It is wonderful that a test conducted by students, most of whom are teenagers, raises a topic about aging.”
– This shows how the problems faced by older Brazilians are becoming more apparent than ever. Goldenberg also states that the theme reflects the process of age change in the Brazilian population, which is becoming increasingly older.
According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), 37.8% of Brazil’s population should be people aged 60 or over by 2070. The institute also verified in 2023 that the number of elderly people in the country exceeded, for the first time in history, the number of young people aged 15 to 24 years.
– It has been said for a long time that Brazil is a country of youth. Not anymore – says Goldenberg.
The researcher also says that the topic can raise awareness among young people who, without even realizing it, commit acts of ageism.
– 51% of cases of violence against the elderly occur at home and are committed by family members, such as children, grandchildren, in-laws, and daughters-in-law. – Discussing the topic can make the young man realize what he is doing.
*Intern under the supervision of Daniela Dariano
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