240 likes | 321 Views
Civic Engagement Among Older Chinese Internet Users. Kimberly Sazaki michael Nguyen Gail Francis Carmen Harrison. Definition: Connection and participation. Social and Civic Engagement. Better health Increased sense of worth Generativity through engagement
E N D
Civic Engagement Among Older Chinese Internet Users Kimberly Sazakimichael NguyenGail FrancisCarmen Harrison
Definition: Connection and participation Social and Civic Engagement
Better health • Increased sense of worth • Generativity through engagement • Decreased Loneliness /Isolation Social/Civic engagement promotes:
Social networks, support • Physical and Cognitive Activity • Regular structured activities Social/Civic engagement promotes:
Impact of technology on elderly understudied Civic engagement and Older chinese
The OldKids of Shanghai, China Learned and taught by older adults. Classes usually lead to social clubs Shanghai statistics Research site
33 members of one OldKids class All 33 members were retired Not random, but voluntary self-selection Participants
2 Separate Interviews Conducted. Topics were varied. Questions were altered as a result. Data analysis based on grounded theory. Procedure and Analysis
Feeding the “Volunteer Machine” Strong need to help others. Active participation with others. Results
Initially, clubs were extensions of classroom. Became extensions of the neighborhood Organization increased participation. Interaction with government officials Social clubs formed
Starting & managing computer salons • Lobbying for resources to establish salons • Dramatic growth of Internet adoption in China • Led to better online information sharing & interaction Effects of Older Chinese’s Civic Engagement
Previous research studies of the internet • Internet facilitates community involvement Internet effects on an Offline Community
Internet & The Government Political Participation Civic Engagement
Historical & Political Context • Inclusion of “computer clubs” as a form of civil engagement Significance of the Study
Older Chinese are overcoming fears Conclusion
Limited to internet users in Shanghai • Future studies should include: • Less urbanized areas • Civic engagement not related to the internet This Study
Include other nations • Focus on the type of civic engagement • How to market this type of activity • How to get seniors involved Our suggestions for future research:
Future social engagement of seniors • Give seniors a chance to expand their horizons • Facilitating to lower income bracket Implications for the future:
Bo, X. (2008). Civic Engagement Among Older Chinese Internet Users. Journal of Applied Gerontology. Retrieved May 2, 2010 from http://jag.sagepub.com.mcc1.library.csulb.edu/cgi/reprint/27/4/424ntology, 27(4), 424-445. References: