Reference no: EM133718860

Assignment: Impact of Being an African American on Life and Perception Essay

Elder Interview Paper

Each student will conduct interviews (face to face) with an African American age 65 and over (family-related, fictive kin, or non-kin). The elder must either be from Baltimore or have lived in Baltimore City for more than 2 decades The purpose of the interview is to develop an understanding of the life experience of African American elders and to examine and understand developmental, environmental, and situational factors that influenced their values and beliefs throughout their life journey. Expected gains are an increased appreciation and understanding of African American older adults' values and an experience that helped to shape and continue elders' lives. Students will develop a life story journal based on information collected in the interviews. You will be given a historical timeline of historical events to use with your interview. It is expected that you adhere to the written assignment requirements that include, but are not limited to, using subheading, in-text citations, and references.

The following information should be collected during the interview and included in your paper:

I. Give an overview of the individual's background to include items such as where they grew up, date of birth, educational level, immediate family composition (number of children, grandchildren, relative or fictive kin children reared), marital status, and work/economic history.

II. Examine the elder's experiences using a timeline of historical events that occurred in society at each developmental stage of the elder. For example: find out what major historical events occurred during the elder's childhood,

Adolescents, young adult, middle age, and golden years. How did these events impact their life How were they affected by racism? What buffers did they have within their family and community to cope with racism and sexism? Solicit feedback

A. Determine what impact being an African American older person feels has had on her or his life; and their perception of how they are treated as an African American person:

I. Solicit responses related to their experience during the Civil Rights movement.

II. Experience with a segregated educational system, racism, employment, housing

III. Family stories shared about slavery, segregation, and integration

IV. Perceptions of urban renewal and current trends in society

B. Describe what they see as their most important accomplishments and failures (things left undone or regrets).

C. Identify and describe the type of contact the older person has with other people (young persons, organizations, health, and social services); describe their level of support from family and community sources.

D. Determine how the older person uses their contacts to meet their personal needs.

E. Compare and examine the elder's views on family values, beliefs, and norms of the past and present. Obtain information about unique cultural values that they see as essential for themselves, their families, and society.

F. Ask about their perception of the aging process from a biological, psychological, and social perspective.

G. Develop a conclusion by examining what the experience meant to you. What were your beliefs about aging challenges? Identify implications for social work practice with older African American elders.