gerontocracy is a form of social organization in which
Gerontocracy
A gerontocracy is a form of oligarchical rule in which an entity is ruled by leaders who are significantly older than most of the adult population . The ancient Greeks were among the first to believe in this idea of gerontocracies ; as famously stated by Plato , `` it is for the elder man to rule and for the younger to submit '' . However , these beliefs are not unique to ancient Greece , as many cultures still subscribe to this way of thinking . Often these political structures are such that political power within the ruling class accumulates with age , making the oldest the holders of the most power . Those holding the most power may not be in formal leadership positions , but often dominate those who are . In a simplified definition , a gerontocracy is a society where leadership is reserved for elders . The best example of this can be seen in the ancient Greek city state of Sparta , which was ruled by a Gerousia . A Gerousia was a council made up of members who were at least 60 years old and served for life . 
A gerontocracy is a form of oligarchical rule in which an entity is ruled by leaders who are significantly older than most of the adult population . The ancient Greeks were among the first to believe in this idea of gerontocracies ; as famously stated by Plato , `` it is for the elder man to rule and for the younger to submit '' . However , these beliefs are not unique to ancient Greece , as many cultures still subscribe to this way of thinking . Often these political structures are such that political power within the ruling class accumulates with age , making the oldest the holders of the most power . Those holding the most power may not be in formal leadership positions , but often dominate those who are . In a simplified definition , a gerontocracy is a society where leadership is reserved for elders . The best example of this can be seen in the ancient Greek city state of Sparta , which was ruled by a Gerousia . A Gerousia was a council made up of members who were at least 60 years old and served for life .
In a simplified definition, a gerontocracy is a society where leadership is reserved for elders, as famously stated by Plato, ``it is for the elder man to rule and for the younger to submit''.
The ancient Greeks were among the first to believe in this idea of gerontocracies ; as famously stated by Plato , `` it is for the elder man to rule and for the younger to submit '' . In a simplified definition , a gerontocracy is a society where leadership is reserved for elders .