Age inequality in the service industry: A meta-analytic review

Abstract

The current meta-analysis aims to establish a framework to identify antecedents of ageism from three aspects (i.e., demographic information, personality traits, and contextual factors) and by conceptualizing ageism as perceived and active ageism. Comprehensive searches for ageism studies were conducted, obtaining 71 articles with 83 independent samples and 229 effect sizes. Using the psychmeta package in R, results showed that the relationships between demographic characteristics and perceived/active ageism differed in direction and significance. Regarding personality traits, emotion regulation ability and self-efficacy were negatively associated with perceived and active ageism. Moreover, employees in the service industry engaged in more active ageism than in other industries. Intergenerational contact and social support were negatively associated with active ageism, but only social support was negatively associated with perceived ageism. Significant antecedents reported in general organizations still existed in the service industry. This research guides intervention implementations in reducing ageism in the service industry.