Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

12-1981

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Sociology

Major Professor

Samuel E. Wallace

Committee Members

Michael Betz, Donald W. Hastings, Donald R. Ploch

Abstract

The consequences of age segregation and peoplehood segregation were examined for three subgroups of black aged persons. The term "peoplehood" rather than race was preferred for use in this study to reduce the extent of racial overtones. Contextual settings for the subgroups were A-age and peoplehood segregated; B-age segregated and peoplehood integrated; and C-age integrated and peoplehood segregated.

Demographic characteristics were very similar for the subgroups. Depth Interviews were conducted with the 235 subjects who were ages fifty-five or older. They were low-income and not highly educated. Most had migrated to the small urban area of Knoxville and hut had been residents over ten years.

The sample preferred being with their own age peers rather than They did not engage in many activities but On a typical Sunday their those of mixed age. neither did they perceive life as boring. primary activity was attending church among 12 activities listed. On a typical weekday their primary activity was shopping for groceries. Individuals were usually accompanied by a relative or friend when they participated in activities. Someone else's private car or a public bus was the transportation mode most often used.

The sample did not report widespread usage of 17 public and private service agencies. They were most often satisfied with the agencies' services although many agencies were unknown to them.

The sample thought that over the past ten years, public transportation to their neighborhood had remained the same but safety had become worse.

Variables for each subgroup were compared. Chi-square was used as a test of significance and phi-square used to measure the strength of association. When compared with peoplehood integrated subjects, peoplehood segregated subjects were more satisfied with their housing. Also, peoplehood segregated subjects compared with peoplehood integrated subjects walked more and used other transportation less on weekdays. Age segregated subjects were less familiar than age integrated subjects with public and private agencies.

The senior citizens center in the peoplehood segregated site promoted activities. Interaction, and communications to a greater extent than those at the other two sites. The greater use of agencies by persons dwelling at site A was a possible consequence.

Agency awareness and use and income were cited as areas deserving special comment despite their failure in some Instances to yield to statistically significant differences or strong associations.

Policy recommendations were made regarding housing, transportation, and service agency public relations and communications.

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