Ageism refers to discrimination and prejudice based on age-related stereotypes. Forms of prejudice such as sexism and racism have been investigated in relation to morality; however, little extant research has considered ageism and moral identity. The purpose of this study was to investigate, among younger adults, whether moral identity symbolization – that is, the desire to appear moral to others (i.e., public morality) – and/or moral identity internalization – that is, wanting to be more moral (i.e., private morality) – was associated with ageism among younger adults. College students, ages 18–29 (N = 688, 75.00% female) enrolled in a psychology course at a large public university in the southern U.S. completed a survey which included the Self-Importance of Moral Identity Scale and Fabroni Scale of Ageism. Men had higher levels of ageism than women. Moral identity symbolization was not associated with ageism; however, moral identity internalization was associated with lower ageism. Results regarding gender are consistent with previous studies finding greater intolerance among men. Among younger adults, moral identity symbolization may not be related to ageism since attitudes about older adults are not germane to public morality the way racism or sexism are. Younger adults who internalize their moral identity – that is, they wish to be a more moral person – may engage in less stereotyping and prejudice towards older adults.
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