ERIC Number: EJ983338
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jun
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1070-5309
EISSN: N/A
Racial Differences in Volunteer Engagement by Older Adults: An Empowerment Perspective
Tang, Fengyan; Copeland, Valire Carr; Wexler, Sandra
Social Work Research, v36 n2 p89-100 Jun 2012
Volunteering is viewed as an empowerment process whereby older adults actively participate in the community and improve their well-being and health. Yet little is known about racial differences in volunteering, and even less in terms of perceived benefits from volunteering as a means of empowerment. The present study addresses this research gap by examining the differences in volunteer experience and perceived benefits from volunteering between older black people and white people. Purposive and convenience samples were drawn from the city of Pittsburgh and questionnaires were completed by 180 adults ages 60 and over. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that black participants were less likely than their white counterparts to volunteer in formal organizations; however, once engaged, they committed more time and perceived more psychosocial benefits from volunteering. Also volunteering and self-reported health demonstrated a stronger relationship in the black sample than among the white sample. This study suggests that black older adults have more to gain from volunteer engagement and feel empowered through meaningful involvement in the community and improved physical and emotional quality of life.
Descriptors: Quality of Life, Empowerment, Multivariate Analysis, Racial Differences, Volunteers, Older Adults, Well Being, Health Promotion, African Americans, Whites, Questionnaires, Urban Areas, Mental Health
Oxford University Press. Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, UK. Tel: +44-1865-353907; Fax: +44-1865-353485; e-mail: jnls.cust.serv@oxfordjournals.org; Web site: http://swr.oxfordjournals.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A