Resource Library

Insiders and Outsiders

Growing Old in an Adopted Country: Experiences of South Asian Old People Living in London

Author : Sumanadasa, U.K.

Year: 2002

Page Numbers: 75

Acc. No: 4558

Class No: 304.6 SUM-SL

Category: Books & Reports

Subjects: Population

Type of Resource: Monograph

Languages: English

This study examines the experiences of South Asian old people in London. The subject population has been defined as people aged 65 and over belonging to the first generation of immigrants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Qualitative approach is used as it gives the researcher opportunity to explore the question through the eyes and minds of the subject population while affording to present explanatory analysis on the findings. Twenty men and women have been interviewed using open-ended questions. In conclusion, it was observed the danger of making assumptions on the life and living experiences of old people. Evidence suggests that South Asian old people, as common with all old people, are not a homogeneous group. They do not find living and growing as ethnic minority old people is especially difficult compared to their countries of birth. They are “insiders” because they believe that this is their adopted home where they live comfortably with easy access to public services while maintaining and enjoying their respective ethnic identity. A significant proportion appears to have got used to the western life style, and unable to have no desire to return to their country of birth. On the other hand, they are outsiders because they still have a strong sense of attachment to their country of birth. They also believe that there is a strong cultural and social difference between them and their host society contributing to ethnic segregation and live in fear of racial harassments and social exclusion.