Based on a survey conducted in two Russian regions (Rostov and Sverdlovsk Regions), in which 520 respondents aged 60 and older were interviewed, the article examines the characteristics of social participation among older Russian men and women. The analysis of the research data is based on the level approach methodology developed by M. Levasser and her co-authors. In line with the level approach, the authors identified areas of social participation and the focus of activities, recorded intensity (frequency), developed a system of indicators, calculated an integral indicator of social participation, as well as its individual components characterizing the areas, focus (spaces), and forms of social participation. Statistically significant gender differences were found across all parameters. It was found that older women have a higher average level of social participation; their activity is significantly higher at all levels, from reactive forms of preparation for communication to proactive forms of civic and political participation. However, while the proportions of men with activity levels both below and above the average are approximately the same, there are twice as many women demonstrating above-average activity as those whose activity does not reach the average. At the same time, in a relatively small group of respondents demonstrating maximum activity (leaders), no gender differences were noted. Women were found to be more active in cultural and leisure, educational and developmental, social and domestic, and community activities, while there were no significant gender differences in participation in sports and health, political, and work activities. Older people are actively involved in practices aimed at their personal interests and their families, but only some of them are involved in activities outside their immediate circle. At the same time, there are no gender differences in the social activities of older women and men related to the satisfaction of their personal needs and interests, but women demonstrate greater involvement in activities aimed at others (family members, friends, neighbors, communities, and the country as a whole). The article empirically verifies the proposition that gender differences play a significant role in the social participation practices of older Russians.
Acknowledgments: this work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation under grant №23-28-00134 «Social participation of older people in Russian regions in the post-pandemic period»,
https://rscf.ru/en/project/23-28-00134/.