Civic Engagement AmongOlder Chinese Internet

Users

KIMBERLY SAZAKIMICHAEL NGUYEN

GAIL FRANCISCARMEN HARRISON

SOCIAL AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Definition:

Connection and participation

SOCIAL/CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROMOTES: 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

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND OLDER CHINESE Impact of technology on elderly

understudied

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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND THE INTERNET

METHODS

RESEARCH SITE

The OldKids of Shanghai, China

Learned and taught by older adults.

Classes usually lead to social clubs

Shanghai statistics

PARTICIPANTS

33 members of one OldKids class

All 33 members were retired

Not random, but voluntary self-selection

PROCEDURE AND ANALYSIS

2 Separate Interviews Conducted.

Topics were varied.

Questions were altered as a result.

Data analysis based on grounded theory.

RESULTS

RESULTS

Feeding the “Volunteer Machine”

Strong need to help others.

Active participation with others.

SOCIAL CLUBS FORMED

Initially, clubs were extensions of classroom.

Became extensions of the neighborhood

Organization increased participation.

Interaction with government officials

DISCUSSION

EFFECTS OF OLDER CHINESE’S CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Starting & managing computer salons

Lobbying for resources to establish salons

Dramatic growth of Internet adoption in China

Led to better online information sharing & interaction

INTERNET EFFECTS ON AN OFFLINE COMMUNITY

Previous research studies of the internet

Internet facilitates community involvement

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INTERNET & THE GOVERNMENT

Political Participation

Civic Engagement

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Historical & Political Context

Inclusion of “computer clubs” as a form of civil engagement

CONCLUSION

Older Chinese are overcoming fears

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FUTURE

AND

IMPLICATIONS

THIS STUDY

Limited to internet users in Shanghai

Future studies should include:

Less urbanized areas

Civic engagement not related to the internet

OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH:

Include other nations

Focus on the type of civic engagement

How to market this type of activity

How to get seniors involved

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE:

Future social engagement of seniors

Give seniors a chance to expand their horizons

Facilitating to lower income bracket

REFERENCES:

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.