What is meant by “age discrimination” in employment?

Age discrimination in employment refers to the unfavorable treatment of individuals based on their age, particularly those who are 40 years old or older. This form of discrimination occurs when an employer treats a qualified employee or applicant less favorably because of their age, leading to negative impacts on hiring, promotion, job assignments, or termination. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects workers in this age category from discrimination, emphasizing that age should not be a factor in making employment decisions.

In contrast, the other options reflect concepts that do not accurately define age discrimination. Working conditions that favor younger employees or a policy mandating retirement at a certain age might contribute to age discrimination practices, but they do not fully encapsulate what age discrimination means. Similarly, a preference for older employees in management roles does not inherently constitute age discrimination, as it suggests a bias in favor of rather than against older individuals.