Gerontocracy (Noun)
Meaning
A political system governed by old men.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The term gerontocracy refers to a political system governed by old men who wield disproportionate power due to their age and seniority.
- A classic example of gerontocracy is seen in ancient Sparta where a council of elders governed the state and young citizens held limited authority.
- Many authoritarian regimes throughout history can be described as gerontocracies where powerful men retained power into their 80s and 90s.
- A modern instance of gerontocracy exists in certain oligarchies, where men aged over 60 occupy high-ranking government and legislative positions.
- North Korea, until Kim Jong-un came to power, can also be viewed as an instance of gerontocracy under Kim Il-sung's prolonged leadership followed by that of his 70-year-old son, Kim Jong-il.