It’s time for some ‘Word Of the Day’ moment! Have you heard of a certain term called ‘Gerontocracy’? Chances are, you haven’t! Of course, I don’t blame you because that is a word that most politicians would prefer keeping out of both our vocabulary and syllabus. I too stumbled upon it accidentally and not by design.
What is, therefore, Gerontocracy? Simply stated, a gerontocracy is a term used for a society that is governed by old people? In other words, the ruling leaders of such society are significantly older as compared to its adult population. The concept of gerontocracy is as old as the leaders who rule such societies. In fact, even ancient Greeks believed in the concept of Gerontocracies, which is evident from a famous remark of Plato’s where it is believed he said, “It is for the elder man to rule and for the younger to submit.” This is why, in the ancient Greek city, Sparta, there existed a Gerousia, which was a council made up of members who were at least 60 years or older. [Fun Fact: In fact, during the time of the Eight Immortals of Community Party of China, there was a running joke: “The 80-year-olds are calling meetings of 70-year-olds to decide which 60-year-olds should retire.”]
In case you’re wondering why I am busy harping upon gerontocracy when I ought to focus on the reasons why young India chooses to stay away from politics, the reason is astoundingly simple!
You see, just as in a patriarchal world, women find themselves playing second fiddle to a man; similarly in a gerontocracy, the younger generation find themselves playing second fiddle to the older generation. That is, the mindset of such a society entrusts leadership positions to people who are considerably older. If you don’t believe me, check out the average age of the politicians and leaders of the world?!? And then tell me, if the myth of the gerontocracy does not stand vindicated! In fact, did you know that in a country like India where 70 per cent of population is below 40 years of age, 80 per cent politicians in India are over 70 years? [Note: This, in fact, explains why even someone like Rahul Gandhi who is in his late 40s is considered a “youth” icon. That is because in a gerontocracy, Rahul Gandhi is young.]
Hence, the reason why the young are shying away from the Indian political arena is because it is a gerontocratic world out there, where both “age” and “lineage” overshadow raw talent and young age. Of course, even though it is not something that is said out loud and in so many words, but the reality is that these subtle nuances invade our psyches and makes us follow through compliantly. After all, the old are meant to rule and the young are merely meant to submit. The most amazing part is how such socialisation starts at a really young age too; when you are constantly fed with the same message, over and over again: “That it is the older generation that is wiser”! You are forced to believe that they know what’s best for you, while all you can do is follow the dreams that someone else picked out for you. Now answer this honestly, if a young man/woman could not decide what subjects to study or who to marry without consulting the elders at home, how can they ever survive within the folds of a gerontocracy?!? Age, after all, is not on their side!
