Elder (administrative title)
The term Elder, or its equivalent in another language, is used in several countries and organizations to indicate a position of authority. This usage is usually derived from the notion that the oldest members of any given group are the wisest, and are thus the most qualified to rule, provide counsel or serve the said group in some other capacity.
Elder systems
Elder is a role played in the organised
Informal elderhoods
An example of informal elderhood is the role of the matriarchal
Formal elderhoods
In more formal examples of elderhood, elders serve as the members of the governing and/or advisory bodies of higher personages such as kings and presidents in the form of a council of elders. This often gives them a prestige amongst their peoples that's comparable to that of the classical nobility of ancient Europe. Due to this, elderhood of this variety is generally considered to be something worthy of aspiring to in the communities where it exists.
Elders in online communities
There are long established conceptualisations of elders on the Internet. In such online communities elders are typically thought of as established members who are outbound, often due to unwanted changes they can't prevent.[1]
Titles in different cultures
- Anglo-Saxon origins is synonymous with what in other systems might be known as a city councilman. It derives from the term ealdorman, meaning "elder man".
- American Indian elder
- Aqsaqal, "white beard" in Turkic languages.
- Auncient, deriving from the Norman French noun ancien, signifying "an elder", has a restricted use in English ceremonial orders of precedence, especially in the legal profession.
- Australian Aboriginal elders are widely respected men and women of authority who have a deep knowledge of traditional lore. They are consulted on any important aspect of Aboriginal life.
- Gerousia was the Spartan equivalent of a council. The term means Council of Elders.
- Hor Chan, from Mayan language, meaning "Chief of Chan". Chan was a term some Mayaused to refer to themselves.
- Kaumātua are the tribal elders in Māori society.
- Oday is the term for elder in the Somali language. Elders hold an important position in Somali society, particularly within the Somali customary law or Xeer, where they serve as judges.
- chieftain.
- gerontocraticform of government in some parts of Igboland, Nigeria.
- Senator: in the Senate of Rome, the senators were men. Senator comes from the Latin root sen- "old" (senex "old man", compare "senior"), and the senators were actually called patres (fathers).
- Seniūnas, the ruler of seniūnija in Lithuanian), Lithuania's smallest administrative division.
- Arabic. The word has specific cultural and religious connotations as well.
- Slavic history (see also Starets).
- Vanem, ancient ruler of an head of state and head of governmentwas called Riigivanem, meaning "State Elder". Today, county governors are called maavanem and parish mayors vallavanem.
- Witan in Anglo-Saxon and other Witenagemot.
See also
- Big man (anthropology)
- Religious elder
- Village head
References
- ^ Kim, A. (2000). Community building on the Web: Secret strategies for successful online communities. Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press.
Further reading
- Bolen, Jean Shinoda Crones Don't Whine. Conari Press. Boston. 2003.
- Gutmann, David. Reclaimed Powers. Northwestern U. Press. Evanston, Ill.1994
- Dass, Ram. Still Here.Embracing Aging, Changing, and Dying .Riverhead Books.New York. 2001.
- Jones, Terry. Elder: A spiritual alternative to being elderly. Elderhood Institute. 2006.
- Jones, Terry. The Elder Within: Source of Mature Masculinity. Elderhood Institute. 2001.
- Leder, Drew. Spiritual Passages. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam. New York. 1997.
- Levinson, Daniel J. The Seasons of a Man's Life. Ballantine Books. NY. 1978.
- Raines, Robert. A Time to Live. Seven Steps in Creative Aging. A Plume Book. New York. 1997.
- Schachter-Shalomi, Zalman. Ageing to Sageing. Warner Books. N.Y. 1995.