(2011) Older adults in the cross-border areas of southern Portugal and Spain: shared narratives, learning and the construction of identity

in QualitativeAntónio Fragoso and Vânia Martins, University of the Algarve, Portugal

This article is based on a piece of research conducted in the cross-border areas of southern Portugal and Spain, with the main aim of investigating the learning processes that take place in identity-building in two different generations (adults and older adults). The findings allow the authors to argue that the older generation was able to maintain relatively mixed social networks, which enabled opportunities for shared narratives and informal learning about those living on the other side of the border. By contrast, the younger generation grew apart from their neighbours so that their identity was partly defined by the separation. They attempt to conceptualise and systematise these interpretations into a holistic model which includes both informal learning and formal education.

International Journal of Education and Ageing, Vol.1, No. 3, 253-266, May 2011, ISSN: 2044-5458

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