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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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Exploring social inclusivity within the University of the Third Age (U3A)
— a model of collaborative research | | Author(s) | Rebecca Patterson, Suzanne Moffatt, Maureen Smith |
| Journal title | Ageing and Society, vol 36, no 8, September 2016 |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press, September 2016 |
| Pages | pp 1580-1603 |
| Source | journals.cambridge.org/aso |
| Keywords | Social inclusion ; Adult Education ; U3A ; Participation ; Qualitative Studies ; Research ; Hartlepool. |
| Annotation | Lifelong learning is believed to have physical, social and emotional benefits for older adults. In recognition of this, numerous programmes encouraging learning in later life exist worldwide. One example is the University of the Third Age (U3A), a lifelong learning co-operative rooted in peer-support and knowledge sharing. This article is based on a collaborative study in North-East England conducted by the authors, who were researchers at the Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University and members of Hartlepool and District University of the Third Age. Their study investigated the social inclusivity of the group, in light of low attendance levels among those from social housing and non-professional backgrounds. A qualitative approach comprising semi-structured interviews and focus groups was adopted to explore knowledge and experience of lifelong learning and the U3A. Sixty individuals aged 50+ were interviewed. The demographic profile of participants largely reflected the socio-economic make-up of the area: the majority lived in areas of high socio-economic deprivation. Several barriers to lifelong learning are revealed, including poor health, insufficient transport, and caring responsibilities. Regarding U3A participation, three exclusionary factors are outlined: lack of knowledge, organisational name, and location. Poor comprehension of the purpose and remit of the U3A can result in the development of 'middle-class' myths regarding membership, perpetuating poor participation rates among lower socio-economic groups. Such perceptions must be dispelled to allow the U3A to fulfil its potential as a highly inclusive organisation. (RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-160820201 A |
| Classmark | RNA: GP: V5A: TMB: 3DP: 3A: 8CLB |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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