Research on the Identity Construction of the Disabled Elderly in Rural Areas of China

Abstract

The identity construction is a very important aspect among the problems of the disabled elderly in rural areas of China. Based on the method of case study and theoretical analysis, this research studies the contents and the process of the identity construction of the disabled elderly in rural areas. It suggests that the identity consists of three elements: personal identity, group identity and social identity, and the characteristics of which include the high recognition on the the core construction of the the expenses orientation and the de-certification of the identity construction. The mechanism of the construction is supported by three different system types: the basic system, the consolidation system and the maintenance system. The results of the construction demonstrate the features of the identity of triple-weakness and muddling along of the disabled elderly in rural areas. The data of the Second National Survey on the disabled elderly shows that the elderly disabled in rural areas constitute 75.04% of the disabled in China. The total amount of the population is 31 million. Compared with the metropolises, those who live in rural areas are usually troubled with disability, low income, and the inferior status of the Medicare. The deteriorating status of the disabled rural elderly has brought many negative effects to the society, economy and culture. The identity construction of the rural disabled elderly is an unfamiliar and yet important part of the problems of the ageing in China. In terms of the unfamiliar, there are a few related researches on this topic and in terms of the importance, the identity construction consists of many aspects, including the self-recognition on the social identity, social status and so on. It is directly linked to the mental status of the disabled elderly and it is a reflection of how the recognition of the disabled elderly is formed. The mental status is the vital factor that influences the living quality (1). Thus, the identity construction plays a very important role in daily lives of the disabled elderly.