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Article
Experiencing Civil Unrest: Elder Voices on Ferguson
Journal of Gerontological Social Work (2017)
  • Nancy Morrow-Howell, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Clarissa Jackson, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Jacquelyn Lewis-Harris, University of Missouri–St. Louis
  • Richelle Clark, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Sheilah Clarke Ekong, University of Missouri–St. Louis
  • Briana Bostic, Washington University in St. Louis
Abstract
Ferguson, Missouri became the center of the nation’s attention when an unarmed African American teenager was killed by a Caucasian police officer. Civic unrest continued for weeks. The aim of this study was to learn how older adults experienced the social unrest. Ten focus groups were conducted with 73 participants. Eight themes were identified. Issues related to safety were most commonly discussed. Participants reported a breakdown in intergenerational communications and expressed a desire for more exchange. Findings are being discussed with relevant organizations to increase the involvement of older adults in on-going community development efforts and to provide opportunities for intergenerational dialogue.

Keywords
  • Civil unrest,
  • political protests,
  • intergenerational dialogue
Disciplines
Publication Date
May 19, 2017
DOI
10.1080/01634372.2017.1310777
Citation Information
Nancy Morrow-Howell, Clarissa Jackson, Jacquelyn Lewis-Harris, Richelle Clark, et al.. "Experiencing Civil Unrest: Elder Voices on Ferguson" Journal of Gerontological Social Work Vol. 60 Iss. 4 (2017) p. 256 - 269
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sheilah-clarke-ekong/6/