gerontocracy
Sign in to saveA gerontocracy is a form of rule in which an entity is ruled by leaders who are substantially older than most of the adult population.
Article
20 sectionsContents
- In political systems
- Africa
- Communist states
- China
- Soviet Union
- India
- Italy
- Japan
- Roman Republic
- Stateless societies
- Theocracy
- United States
- Presidency
- Congress
- Other countries
- Organizational examples
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Further reading
A gerontocracy is a form of rule in which an entity is ruled by leaders who are substantially older than most of the adult population.
In many political structures, power within the ruling class accumulates with age, making the oldest individuals the most powerful. Those holding the most power may not be in formal leadership positions, but often dominate those who are. In a simplified definition, a gerontocracy is a society where leadership is reserved for elders.