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Exploration of Social Exclusion among Older Chinese Immigrants in the USA

Author

Listed:
  • Ling Xu

    (School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, 501 W Mitchell St., Arlington, TX 76019, USA)

  • Jia Li

    (Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Weiyu Mao

    (School of Social Work, University of Nevada, Reno. 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA)

  • Iris Chi

    (Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA)

Abstract

Background: Older adults are vulnerable to social exclusion and its detrimental health outcomes. However, few existing studies focus on the social exclusion of older adults as immigrants and ethnic-minority individuals. To fill the gap, drawing on the conceptual framework of old-age vulnerability, this study explored the multi-dimensional experience of social exclusion for older Chinese immigrants in the U.S. and investigated how old age and immigration exacerbated older adults’ experiences of social exclusion. Method: The study included 24 in-depth face-to-face individual interviews in Los Angeles and employed thematic analysis on the qualitative data. Themes were identified until consensus was reached among the research-team members. Triangulation of multiple analysts was used to avoid analytic bias. Findings: Findings showed that older Chinese immigrants experienced social exclusion in the following dimensions: basic services; material and financial resources; social relations and activities; socio-cultural aspects; and neighborhood/territory/community. In addition to age-related factors, immigration-related factors, including changes in physical and socio-cultural environments and legal status, also contributed to older immigrants’ extra vulnerabilities to social exclusion. Conclusions: This study provides useful information and strategies for human and healthcare service providers to find ways to overcome social exclusion and enhance older Chinese immigrants’ social inclusion in the U.S.

Suggested Citation

  • Ling Xu & Jia Li & Weiyu Mao & Iris Chi, 2023. "Exploration of Social Exclusion among Older Chinese Immigrants in the USA," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2539-:d:1052665
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Weiyu Mao & Jia Li & Ling Xu & Iris Chi, 2020. "Acculturation and health behaviors among older Chinese immigrants in the United States: A qualitative descriptive study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(3), pages 714-722, September.
    2. Sabrina T. Wong & Grace J. Yoo & Anita L. Stewart, 2006. "The Changing Meaning of Family Support Among Older Chinese and Korean Immigrants," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 61(1), pages 4-9.
    3. Kieran Walsh & Thomas Scharf & Norah Keating, 2017. "Social exclusion of older persons: a scoping review and conceptual framework," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 81-98, March.
    4. Zachary Zimmer & Julia Kwong, 2003. "Family size and support of older adults in urban and rural China: Current effects and future implications," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 40(1), pages 23-44, February.
    5. Daniel Lai, 2011. "Perceived Impact of Economic Downturn on Worry Experienced by Elderly Chinese Immigrants in Canada," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 32(3), pages 521-531, September.
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