Differences in Levels of Social Integration among Older Women and Men in Egypt

Abstract

The current study explores factors underlying the observed gender differences in levels of social integration among older adults within the context of the Arab countries. Reports on older adults' engagement in social activities were classified into two broad categories; "private activities that are child-centered" and "public activities that are adult-centered and extend beyond the realm of the family's children." Findings revealed that gender differences in older adults' involvement in both types of activities were found to be insignificant, a result that indicates older women's withdrawal from shouldering private-type activities and their increase engagement in public-type activities. Patrilocal residence, which is very common in the Arab countries, exhibited two different patterns of effects on levels of social integration. It increased older adults' reports of involvement in private-type activities in general, but decreases older women's reports of their involvement in these activities. Modernization and its impact on older adults' levels of social integration were also investigated in terms of both education and urban/rural residence. Education was positively correlated with older adults' engagements in private-type activities, but not public-type activities. Urban residence and living in a less restricted social environment in general was associated with decreases in older adults' reports of their involvement in private-type activities. Nevertheless, older women residing in urban settings were found to report more involvement in both private and public activities. The current study highlights the need for more future studies that explore aspects of older adults' integration within the family and the community, the interplay between attributes of older adults and members of their social network as well as the impact of social integration on the well-being of older adults within various normative cultural contexts.

Daytime sleepiness: a risk factor for poor social engagement among the elderly

“…One longitudinal study published recently proposed the existence of gender differences in SE, physical limitations and cognitive limitations . However, another report of an Arab population found gender differences to be insignificant in older adults' social integration . Regardless of gender's impact on SE, studies that include exclusively geriatric men are potentially not applicable to the general population, especially in this case, which focused on veterans.…”

“…52 However, another report of an Arab population found gender differences to be insignificant in older adults' social integration. 53 Regardless of gender's impact on SE, studies that include exclusively geriatric men are potentially not applicable to the general population, especially in this case, which focused on veterans. A further survey may be needed for the general population.…”

Unmet healthcare needs for older people attending the outpatients’ clinics of a university hospital in Cairo, Egypt: a qualitative study

“…On the other hand, satisfaction is expected within the traditions and culture of our Egyptian community where the patients are usually reluctant to express any dissatisfaction with any part of the provided services, especially in the clinics' atmosphere (for fear of persecution). In this context, it is assumed that the patients might feel many defects, but refuse to express them, especially since they cannot receive other services elsewhere (due to their poverty) [14,15,18,19]. On the other hand, elders may be unaware of their rights due to their poverty, and low educational and social class.…”

There Is Nobody to Rely on: Cracks in the Intergenerational Contract Among the Elders in Arab Society in Israel

“…In keeping with the patriarchal contract (Kandiyoti, 1988) and their own bargaining power, their position in the hierarchy remains low, and they are economically dependent on the money earned by their sons (Olmsted, 2005). Other researchers have argued that ageing women in patriarchal societies enjoy a higher status and greater access to resources than young women as their position improves with age (Kandiyoti, 1988; Khadr, 2011; Olmsted, 2005). Friedman and Pines (1992), for example, claimed that Arab women acquire power in the second half of their lives, enjoying various privileges and more autonomy.…”

“…Patriarchal Arab society is characterized by male dominance and control and a clear division of gender roles (Khadr, 2011). Most women, including both the educated and those participating in the labor market, are economically dependent on and supported by their fathers, then their husbands, and finally their sons.…”