ABSTRACT
This paper seeks to provide many historical age-related changes in broader perspective by considering the general nature and sources of change in age systems. Changing age norms and transition points have, in turn, affected relations among the age strata. A major issue in discussions about the forces leading to change in age systems is the role of "modernization." In modern, industrial societies age systems have also responded to external forces that are not directly related to modernization. Changes in other systems of stratification can also affect the age stratification system. Changes in women's roles--increased labor force participation and higher educational attainments--have helped to reverse a long-term trend toward declining age at marriage. One impetus to change stems from ageconflicts which are endemic to age systems. Like other stratification systems, the age stratification system is characterized by structured social inequality.
