ERIC Number: EJ1454942
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1277
EISSN: EISSN-1521-0472
Creating Equitable Education on Social Equity: Educating Taiwanese Older Adults' Attitudes toward Same-Sex Relationships through Contact Theory
Educational Gerontology, v51 n1 p23-38 2025
Curricula have historically overlooked non-heteronormative education for elderly populations. The purpose of this study was to assess attitude changes toward same-sex relationships among Taiwanese older adults before and after taking a curriculum focused on the lived experiences of same-sex partners. Seventy-six older adults from Hualien County, Taiwan voluntarily participated in a six-hour course, split across two 3-hour sessions, on same-sex relationships and non-traditional families. Researchers formulated the class on contact theory and equity education, intended to exhibit new perspectives and gender paradigms to older adults. Participants completed a post-class 5-Likert scale survey regarding (1) their understanding of course material and (2) their opinion on same-sex marriage legislation, then an optional qualitative form interview. Sixty-four respondents completed the form in full. Findings identified that after the course: (1) females were significantly more likely to support same-sex marriage legislation (67.2% of females compared to 33.3% of male participants) (2) there was no significant difference between males and females on empathy (3) those who supported same-sex marriage legislation were significantly more likely to empathize with the challenges same-sex partners face. Free responses collected reflected increased understanding, respect, and empathy toward same-sex partners and non-traditional families. These results suggest older adults do not stick to 'rejecting' new understandings of gender paradigms. The discussion involves implications for future, successful, and equitable elderly education curriculum design on gender issues.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Equal Education, Older Adults, Attitude Change, Homosexuality, Familiarity, Adult Education, Consciousness Raising, Student Attitudes, Legislation, Gender Differences, Empathy, Family Structure, LGBTQ People, Social Attitudes, Diversity, Civil Rights, Cultural Awareness, Stereotypes
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A