Inter/generational Dynamics Project
1 October 2008 to 31 March 2011
About the project
This project examines interaction and engagement between and within generations, with older people at the centre of the enquiry.
We explore the concept of ‘generation’, asking what it means to older people and to some of the other generations (familial and non-familial) in their lives. We are interested in how inter/ generational dynamics are related both to people’s experiences of personal ageing (bodily, sensory and social) and to their understandings of socio-cultural change.
Key Research Questions
- What are the key forms of inter/generational interaction, communication and transfer (familial and non-familial) in which older people are involved?
- Do people associate themselves with ‘reference groups’ generationally, or inter/generationally? How do they relate this to the experience of ageing?
- How do older people experience, contribute to, or challenge socio-cultural change through inter/generational interactions in their everyday lives?
Methods
We are combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, using secondary analysis of data from a major national survey, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and a new, linked, qualitative study with sub samples of ELSA participants and their younger friends, acquaintances and relatives.
Quantitative
Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing data, our methods include:
- Mapping of kin and friendship networks
- Cluster analysis to identify types of people characterised in terms of social relationships
- Examination of correlations, using multivariate techniques, between types identifi ed by the cluster analysis and sociodemographic characteristics, experiences, and expectations of ageing and wellbeing
Qualitative
Our linked multi-method qualitative study – undertaken with a subsample of 25-30 ELSA participants (sampled, in part, on the basis of the cluster analysis) and up to 20 of their ‘younger generations’ – includes the following methods:
- Ethnographic interviews
- Relationship mapping
- Self-completed interaction dairies
- Ethnographic explorations of participant’s local areas and places of significance
Additional qualitative work with participants accessed through links with local council groups for older people:
- Focus groups and era memory workshops focusing on relations between generations, technology and consumer culture, and perceptions of history, society, and change.
Research team
Stewart Muir, Jennifer Mason, Vanessa May, James Nazroo, Anna Zimdars
For enquiries, please contact Stewart Muir on 0161 275 7852 or stewart.muir@manchester.ac.uk