Sense of Belonging, Loneliness, and Civic Engagement/ Social Participation Among Japanese and Korean Older Adults

TL;DR

This study explores how civic engagement and social participation affect the well-being of Japanese and Korean older adults in the U.S., highlighting the role of cultural and emotional factors.

Contribution

The study introduces a comparative, culturally sensitive analysis of civic engagement among Japanese and Korean older adults, emphasizing psychosocial and emotional dimensions.

Findings

Civic engagement among Japanese and Korean older adults is linked to a sense of belonging and emotional security.

Language barriers and cultural exclusion contribute to loneliness and reduced social participation.

Participation in ethnic associations and caregiving helps reduce isolation and maintain self-worth.

Abstract

Civic engagement/ social participation are not merely activities but are deeply embedded in the psychosocial well-being of older adults. While traditional models of engagement focus on institutionalized activities such as formal volunteering and political participation, they often overlook the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects that drive participation - especially among racial and ethnic minority groups. This study provides a comparative analysis of two Asian ethnic groups—Japanese and Korean older adults in the U.S. examining how cultural and psychosocial factors shape their civic engagement/ social participation and sense of belonging. Using a multi-theoretical qualitative approach and Steps for Coding and Theorization Analysis (SCAT), the in-depth interviews with Japanese (n = 6) and Korean older adults (n = 5) showed that civic engagement/ social participation are tied to their psychological sense of connection to a community. Participation in ethnic associations, informal caregiving, and mutual aid networks fosters a sense of purpose, identity, and emotional security, reinforcing the idea that civic life extends beyond structured activities. On the other hand, language barriers, cultural exclusion, intergenerational conflict, and migration-related social disruptions contribute to loneliness, which in turn diminishes opportunities for engagement and exacerbates emotional distress. Many participants described engagement as a mechanism for reducing isolation and maintaining self-worth, suggesting that civic and social participation serves both as a protective factor and as a coping strategy for aging-related vulnerabilities.