Attitudes toward the aged as a function of race and social class.

ABSTRACT Studies have indicated that subjects with more years of education show a positive attitude toward older persons. The present study investigated the effects of other variables,r in this case race and social class, in relationto attitudes toward older persons. A sample group of high school juniors and seniors whose ages ranged from 16 to 18 were given a questionnaire based on the Kogan Attitudes Toward Old People Scale. The subjects consisted of 48 blacks and 5O whites; 46 belonged to the lower income class and 52 to the middle income class. The results of the-study showed almost no effect on attitudes toward older people based on race and social. class. Combining data from this study with a previous study giving a total of-194 subjects showed a relationship between number of years of education and a more positive attitude towards the elderly. The tabulated scores and a list of references are included. (pc) ;