Abstract
The principle of “Linked Lives” is one of the five principles of the Life Course Perspective. Linked Lives emphasizes the interdependence of individuals across the life course, the ways relationships with family members, communities, and networks across generations and geographies influence individual’s behavior, life chances, and life trajectory. However, what has received less attention are the ways some individuals’ spiritual communities, those concerning relationships with ancestors and religious deities inform the individual’s behavior, life chances, and trajectory. This phenomenological study draws from an intersectional life course perspective to expand our theoretical understanding of Linked Lives to include the lived experience of Black and Latinx older adults’ spiritual communities. Findings from this study show that Black and Latine adults’ develop intimate connections are developed with divinities, ancestors, and spirits. These relationships must not be disregarded, as they hold an important role in decision making processes, sought opportunities, and the outlook and disposition of older adults towards their lived experiences. Until now, the life course perspective has not considered religion and spirituality, but as the older adult population grows more diverse, gerontologists have an obligation to expand its theoretical concepts and perspectives to integrate the experiences of historically oppressed older adults.
Presenters
Laurent LaurentAssistant Professor, Social Welfare, UC Berkeley, California, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Linked lives, Spirituality, Black and Latine Older Adults, Life Course
