ABSTRACT
As an academic discipline and professional area of work, gerontology is very new; it thus has the advantage and disadvantage of having thrust upon it the uncertainties that accompany modem social and technological change. Social policy in gerontology has historically emanated from research based on predominantly Anglo male populations. Gerontological research in the past three decades has successfully broadened our understanding of aging as part of human development and of the aged population in our society. A lead article in the Boston Globe announced, “Multi-culturalism is becoming a way of life.” Gerontology may set the tone or provide the standards for bringing about diversity in human service disciplines and professions. Gerontologists who are educators, policy makers, and practitioners can join in developing a new language and a new vision that sees diversity as a positive, energizing force for understanding the aged and aging in the country.
