A Study of Relational Sense of Community among Older Women in Ethnic Areas
Peer organizations among older women are a positive way to address the challenges of ageing.From a community psychology perspective,we analyze the formation of a relational sense of community in older women's organizations in ethnic areas,and conclude that the sharedness and connectedness have strengthened"Chai",a relational sense of community.This sense of community is achieved through shared experiences and memories,women's common life course and minority cultural characteristics,as well as the realization of cultural integration,and economic,social and psychological support.We find that a relational sense of community results from the mutual influences of multiple factors.Family is primarily an important part of older women's lives,and thus family support is the driving force behind older women's participation in"Chai".In turn,women feel empowered through"Chai"and are able to play a strong nurturing role in the family.Therefore,these women's sense of community is anchored in a triangle relationship of"Chai"-Self-Family.In addition,influenced by Xinjiang's folk culture of charity,while older women participate in public affairs through"Chai",they strengthen their sense of community through connection of"Chai"-Self-Society and become less oriented to themselves.This paper has introduced the concept of sense of community as a new dimension in the studies of women's groups as it expands on the mechanisms in manifestation and formation of sense of community in the context of multi-ethnic cultural integration.This introduction complements existing studies of a sense of community.In all,this study will provide a psychological governance approach to the promotion of strategies for positive aging in ethnic areas.
older women in ethnic areas"Chai"relational sense of communityselfactive aging
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