RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences

ISSUE ON "The Aging of Immigrant America"

"The aging of immigrant America reflects a recent but understudied demographic transition. As older immigrant adults account for a larger share of both the foreign-born and the total U.S. population, this call for papers invites contributions that examine what this demographic shift means for older immigrants themselves, their families and ethnic communities, and, ultimately, for U.S. society and its institutions. This research agenda has policy implications for the political sphere, public health, and social service provision in support of "healthy aging."

"This call for papers builds on an emerging body of multidisciplinary research on immigrant older adults. Despite its multidisciplinary scope, this literature remains fragmented across fields such as social gerontology, health and retirement, and immigrant integration. We invite prospective contributors to consider how the following five conceptual questions might inform their projects. How might theoretical insights from these fields be integrated to guide empirical research on the transition into later life? How can we study this transition as a multidimensional process rather than a single event (e.g., retirement)? Beyond the outcome-based approach (i.e., focusing on specific life outcomes), how can a trajectory-based approach broaden the research? What mechanisms and processes perpetuate or exacerbate inequalities in aging? How distinct are the aging experiences of immigrant older adults from those of non-immigrant older adults?

"Prospective contributors should submit a CV and an abstract (up to two pages in length, single or double spaced) of their study along with up to three pages of supporting material (e.g., tables, figures, pictures, etc.) no later than 5 PM EST on January 19, 2027."

Read the complete call