Purpose: This article challenges popular conceptions of the nature of ethnicity and religiousness in the gerontological literature. Using the example of older Jewish Americans, the authors argue for more nuanced definitions and usage of terms such as "religion" and "ethnicity" in order to begin to understand the complex interweaving of these two…

This article presents the results of research to identify factors contributing to the development of interest in employment in gerontological social work by undergraduate social work students who are diverse in age, ethnicity, immigration history, race, and life experiences. Recruitment and support of interest in gerontological social work of…

Examined the effect of cultural or normative structures, as measured by ethnicity, on living arrangements of 7,015 older Canadian women. Results indicated that fertility is the major determinant of whether or not older women live alone, followed closely by ethnicity. Income, education, and age also have some effect. (JAC)

A lack of conceptual clarity has hampered research on ethnicity and family supports in later life. Ethnicity has been conceptualized as culture, inequality, and ways of thinking and behaving. Dimensions of culture, structure, and behavior must be kept conceptually and analytically distinct, and analysis of the relationship between any two must…

The second generation Japanese Americans have largely attained middle-class status. This social ascendancy and simultaneous assimilation have not jeopardized relationships with aged parents. The continuity in filial practice between rural Japanese and contemporary American societies attenuates many of the strains in the family interaction. (Author)

A descriptive analysis of official statistics of completed and attempted suicides of the Jewish elderly in Israel disclosed patterns somewhat different from those known in Western industrial societies. (Author)

Suggests that Holzberg's claim that certain studies ignore cultural factors in aging may be unfounded. These studies are defended because of their interest in minority status rather than the broader concept of ethnicity. Concludes that little is known about cultural influences on aging. Presents Holzberg's response. (Author/JAC)

Examined helping networks of older people in 10 different ethnic groups. Found that immigrants are more likely than native-born older people to have family members to turn to in times of need. Suggests major group differences exist in the helping networks of older people. (Author)

While the family and Catholic church remained important sources of preferred support, increased willingness to utilize institutional long-term care was noted. Favoring proprietary services indicated continued negative attitudes towards public auspices and possible support for a multi-tiered service delivery system for the aged. (Author)

Reviews and critiques the literature on minority elderly. Shows how research on minorities has led to an analytical muddle with the issue of ethnicity. Examines the relevance of ethnicity to social and cultural gerontology. Demonstrates how ethnicity can often facilitate adjustment to the psychical and physical constraints of aging. (Author)

What is the relationship between ethnicity and the mental health problems of the elderly in American society? This paper offers some suggestions and reviews some data that might encourage further efforts in this area. (Author)

Research in social gerontology has become increasingly concerned with issues related to race, ethnicity, national origin and gender. The bulk of this research has merely described interesting differences among groups. This presentation suggests that theory and research on race, ethnicity, and gender groups, particularly in a noncomparative…

The four papers presented in this document address a wide range of issues in the field of gerontology. The first paper provides detailed information on the residential and mobility patterns of the elderly population of New York City. The second paper integrates general concepts about attitude development with more specific interpretations of facts…

The rapid growth in aging populations in Britain, as in other countries, has led to a dramatic academic and professional interest in gerontology. This book brings together major research studies and information about aging Asian and Afro-Caribbean people in Britain. It is an attempt to relate theory and practice on gerontology to race and…

This learning module, which is part of a three-block series intended to help human service workers develop the skills necessary to solve the problems encountered in their daily contact with elderly clients of different cultural backgrounds, deals with Ukrainian culture. The first two sections provide general information about the size and general…