Full Description
Sociological Analysis of Aging: The Gay Male Perspective is an exploratory study of the life changes homosexual and bisexual men experience as they age. This unique book presents in-depth, qualitative interviews with gay men, aged 55 and older, focusing on their physical, mental, and social needs. More than one hundred men offer first-hand perceptions on the unique problems they face with regards to employment/retirement, housing, health and well-being, and relationships, and how they function within (or without) a social support system.
Sociological Analysis of Aging fills in the gaps in the existing social science literature on homosexuals and aging, updating findings that were inconclusive when first published and/or based on case studies or limited samples. While standard books on aging typically deal with the impact of life events such as child rearing, the empty nest syndrome, and grandparenting, Sociological Analysis of Aging deals with the unique realities that gay men face in addition to the universal concerns of the elderly: affordable health care, affordable housing, and adequate coverage for medication costs. The study examines what can be done to assist successful aging for sexual minorities, particularly in the areas of social policy, service delivery, and public tolerance.
Sociological Analysis of Aging focuses on specific research questions:
Do aging gay men consider themselves to be physically healthy?
Do aging gay men suffer from depression?
Do aging gay men have access to social support networks?
What are the housing needs of the aging gay communitypresent and future?
How involved are aging gay men with family, friends, church, and community?
In addition, the men interviewed were asked what, if anything, was left on a to-do list; what the best and worst aspects of aging are; and what, if anything, they would change about the course their lives had taken. Their answers make Sociological Analysis of Aging: The Gay Male Perspective an essential resource for therapists, counselors, and social workers, and for academics working in sociology, psychology, gerontology, and gay studies.
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Introduction
Purpose
Research Problem
Rationale
Research Questions
Geographic Settings
Focus of This Research
Summary
Chapter 2. Literature Review
Gay Aging
Health and Well-Being
Social Support/Relationships/Involvement
Housing
Theoretical Base
Summary
Chapter 3. Methodology
Research Questions
Definitions
Research Participants
Data Collection
Data Processing and Analysis
Protection of Participants
Summary
Chapter 4. Findings
Respondent Characteristics
Social Support, Relationships, and Involvement of Respondents
Housing
Health and Well-Being
Employment Characteristics
Some Closing Thoughts
Summary
Chapter 5. Discussion and Conclusion
Social Support/Relationships/Involvement
Housing
Health and Well-Being
Thematic Findings and Theoretical Implications
Study Limitations
Future Research
Summary
Appendix A. Respondent Characteristics by City (Percentages)
Appendix B. Research Instruments
The Sociology of Aging: Questionnaire
Aging Gay Male Interview Guide (1-028)
Aging Gay Male Interview Guide (1-045)
References
Index
