Sociology

Deborah Carr

A&S Distinguished Professor, Sociology

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Volunteer Basis, Potential for UROP Funding, Potential for Academic Credit

Overview

Title: Social isolation and integration of older persons in climate changing cities and communities

Project Overview: This project is motivated by two global challenges: social isolation of older adults (age 65+) in their cities and communities, and the impacts of climate change, including excessive hot and cold temperatures, and extreme weather events (e.g., blizzards). We will examine the perceived impacts of climate-related events and conditions on older adults’ social isolation vs. integration in the urban environment. For instance, extreme heat may confine already socially isolated older adults to their homes, natural disasters may threaten the communities and social fabric that previously provided support and integration to older adults, and the financial costs imposed by climate change (e.g., rising home insurance costs) may prohibit new families and support systems from moving into the neighborhoods that older adults have long called home.

The study will address two main research questions: (1) How do older adults perceive the role of climate and their local physical environment in their daily lives and experiences of social connection and isolation? (2) How do older adults’ experiences of social isolation and integration, and their adaptation to environmental conditions, vary across geographic, climatic, and sociocultural settings? Our findings can potentially guide policy and practice recommendations based on older adults’ experiences, with attention to socially and economically disadvantaged populations.

The study will use a mixed-methods design with data collection in summer and winter. This will include seasonal walk-along and home-based open-ended interviews, mental-map drawing tasks, and closed-ended questionnaires. The main task of the student research interns will be carrying out interviews and surveys with older adults, participating in team meetings, helping to analyze the data, and participating in report-writing.

Skills you’ll build:
• Learning about two major social trends: climate change and population aging.
• Participating in survey design and pretesting.
• Exposure to qualitative research methods, including how interviews are designed, conducted, and analyzed.
• Participating in the recruitment of older adult study participants.
• Honing one’s interviewing skills and skills in interacting with older adults.
• Practical research skills like literature review, citation management, and organizing qualitative data.
• Experience translating research findings into clear, accessible materials for community and academic audiences.
• A first-hand look at how research teams carry out their work.

Role and responsibilities:
• Conducting background literature searches and summarizing relevant articles on climate impacts on older adults.
• Assisting with recruitment logistics, including preparing flyers and tracking outreach to 50 study participants.
• Carrying out interviews with 10-12 older adults in Winter 2027 (with possibility for Summer 2027 interviews).
• Assisting with interview transcription review and organization of qualitative data files.
• Assisting with basic data analysis (e.g., frequencies and crosstabs in SPSS). Training will be provided.
• Attending regular team meetings and contributing to project planning discussions.

Time commitment:
Approximately 5–8 hours per week during the academic year (fall/spring), with some flexibility for exam periods. Exact hours are negotiable based on course load and project needs.

Prerequisites and qualifications:
• Undergraduate student in good academic standing, any year (rising sophomores through seniors welcome); coursework in sociology, public health, psychology, earth & environment, or related fields preferred but not required
• Excellent communication skills and an interest in honing interviewing skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working independently and communicating proactively about progress or questions.
• Interest in aging and older adults.
• Prior research experience is a plus but not required.
• Must be able to complete CITI human subjects research training prior to starting (training will be provided)

Application instructions:
Interested students should email Dr. Deborah Carr (carrds@bu.edu) with:
• A brief cover letter describing their interest in the project and relevant experience or coursework.
• A current resume or CV.
• Their expected availability (days/hours per week) and anticipated start date.