Understanding Older Chicanas : Sociological and Policy Perspectives

This is the first major sociological report on the lives, status and public policy needs of the Chicana elderly, a population which is generally poor and has been stereotyped as widows and grandmothers. Elisa Facio offers insight into how Chicana elderly cope with their economic and cultural marginality, and how they gain the personal and financial resources they require. The book relates how scholars and public policy makers have previously understood the world of Chicana elderly, and provides new data on the social meaning of Chicana old age, specifying implications of that meaning for future policy makers.

Focusing on an overlooked and understudied population, Understanding Older Chicanas examines older Chicanas′ lives, status, and public policy needs. Chicana elderly tend to be poor, reflecting the economic position of Chicanos in American society; they also tend to be stereotyped as widows and grandmothers, reflecting the cultural values of Mexican American society. This work shows how Chicana elderly cope with this economic and cultural marginality and how they gain the personal and financial resources they require. Author Elisa Facio also relates how scholars and public policymakers have previously understood Chicana elderly, provides new data on the social meaning of Chicana old age, and points out the implications of that meaning for future policymakers. This perceptive volume is essential reading for those in academic and policy settings who are interested in issues regarding multicultural aging experiences, diversification, life-cycle phases, socialization, and women.