Which type of prejudice is often directed towards both youth and the elderly?

The correct answer, ageism, refers to prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their age. This form of bias can manifest as negative stereotypes, unfair treatment, or social exclusion directed toward both younger individuals and older adults. Ageism entails viewing younger people as inexperienced or reckless, while often perceiving older individuals as out of touch or incapable. This form of prejudice treats age as a determinant of abilities, undermining the complexity of individual capabilities regardless of age.

In contrast, other types of prejudice, like gender bias, racism, and classism, target specific characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, rather than age. While these forms of bias can intersect with age-related discrimination (for instance, a woman might experience both gender bias and ageism), ageism distinctly spans both ends of the age spectrum, making it unique in its application towards youth and the elderly.