OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN: HOW RACE, SOCIAL NETWORKS, AND SPATIAL CONTEXT INFLUENCE OLDER ADULTS’ ATTITUDES ABOUT SCHOOL FUNDING

Abstract

This qualitative, exploratory study uses an interpretive case study design to elucidate key factors influencing the attitudes and behaviors of older adults with regard to public education funding in the context of rapid demographic change. The research was conducted in three first-ring suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the older population is predominately White, and students in the districts come from diverse racial backgrounds. The study examines how social networks and physical environment relate to older people’s attitudes and behaviors with respect to public education funding. Current literature about older adults in neighborhoods focuses primarily on them as recipients of service. In contrast, this study examines older people as political actors and provides a robust and nuanced discussion about how they themselves frame issues of school funding. The project makes a timely contribution to research on the relationship between the growing racial generation divide and support for public education among older adults. It also provides strategy recommendations designed to increase older people’s support for public education funding.