A phenomenological understanding of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults

Interpersonal experiences

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21721574
AutoresAndrew Steward (0000-0001-8372-1871, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, Milwaukee, WI, USA, autor correspondente), Carson M De Fries (0000-0002-4086-399X, University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, Denver, CO, USA), Annie Zean Dunbar (0000-0001-8402-6256, University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, Denver, CO, USA), Miguel Trujillo (0000-0001-7827-3250, University of Utah University Neighborhood Partners, Salt Lake City, UT, USA), Yating Zhu (0000-0002-1084-937X, University of Denver Morgridge College of Education, Denver, CO, USA), Leslie Hasche (0000-0003-4143-4043, University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, Denver, CO, USA)
Ano2024
Volume24
Fascículo6
Páginas829-850
Data de publicação2024-11-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Social Work (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1468-0173 • E-ISSN: 1741-296X
EditoraSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/14680173241253495
OpenAlexW4399041932
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas44

This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the lived experience of the intersectionality of ageism and racism among older adults, with a focus on interpersonal experiences. Fifteen participants 60+ years of age (M = 67, SD = 7.45) in the U.S. Mountain West identifying as Black, Latino(a), Asian-American/Pacific Islander, or Indigenous engaged in a 1-hour interview. A three-cycle, inductive coding process involved five coders who independently coded interviews and engaged in critical discussion to resolve disagreements. An audit trail, member checking, and peer debriefing enhanced credibility. Findings The results detail four umbrella themes and nine subthemes. The subthemes demonstrate experiences of the intersectionality of ageism with racism reflected through (1) increased disrespect, (2) cultural differences in respect for elders, (3) tokenization, (4) physical appearance, (5) being ignored or discriminated against due to others’ discomfort, (6) intersecting experiences of pity, hate, and violence, (7) unspoken bias (including racial profiling), (8) microaggressions: questioning intelligence/ability, and (9) microaggressions: slurs. Multiple themes highlighted how ageism may be racialized through stereotypes related to mental (in)capability. Applications Social work practitioners and researchers can apply the findings from this study to explore interventions aimed at reducing interpersonal, racialized ageist microaggressions related to mental incapability. At the community level, anti-racism and anti-ageism initiatives should collaborate by applying an enhanced understanding of the ways ageism and racism intersect through pity, hate, and violence particularly in public settings such as shopping centers. The findings from this study can also help shape policies aimed at reducing racial profiling and hate crimes toward older adults of color

Interpersonal communication · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Intersectionality · Qualitative research · Racism · Social science · Sociology · Aging and Gerontology Research · Gender Studies · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Psychology · Retirement, Disability, and Employment · Social Psychology