Ethnicity as a Career for the Elderly: The Serbian-American Case

Abstract

The study of elderly Serbian-Americans in Northern California reveals that ethnicity for many assumes a greater importance in retirement and later life. It not only provides an alternative system of values to those of the American mainstream, but a familiar social arena in which many of the skills learned in the larger society may again be put to use. Moreover, ethnic knowledge gained during childhood can be reactivated, creating a sense of cultural continuity. In this respect, it is largely the elderly who have the time needed to maintain the complex institutions and associations that characterize the Serbian-Americans. Thus, there is a circular relationship between such core ethnics and the larger ethnic community in terms of fulfillment of needs.

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