Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
The paper explores how older mothers in urban Taiwan find meaning and self-care practices through participating in interest classes at community centers. It views these centers not just as venues for classes, but also as structures that shape relationship values. By using an ethnographic approach, the study delves into the motivations behind older mothers' routines at community centers. It highlights how these women redefine motherhood by prioritizing their own well-being in public spaces. Additionally, the research examines the impact of the global focus on aging on these individuals. Through participant observations, interviews, and analysis of newspaper archives, this study provides insights into the subjectivities of aging mothers in East Asian cities. This research contributes to understanding the evolving roles and self-perceptions of older women within the context of active aging initiatives.
Results/Contributions

In current times that emphasize active aging, older adults are often encouraged to participate in interest classes at community centers. Adopting an ethnographic research approach to understand the subjectivities of older mothers, this paper not only sees community centers as a space for older adults for taking interest classes, but also as an infrastructure that defines relationship values. This paper examines the motivations of older mothers in urban Taiwan who have established a routine at a community center. By emphasizing the public space, that is, the values indoctrinated at the community centers, this paper investigates how community center activities offer self-care practices for older women, and how these women embody motherhood by taking care of themselves. This paper expands the notion of motherhood by investigating the subjectivities of older mothers as well as the effects of the global aging discourse on them. This study of urban Taiwan sheds light on understanding the subjectivity of aging mothers in other East Asian cities. The data of this paper were collected through participant observations at community centers, in-depth interviews, and analysis of newspaper archives. © 2023 by the author.

Keywords
Community Center, Elderly mother, Interest class, Subjectivity, Public space, Maternity, Global aging discourse, East Asian cities, In-depth interview, Data collection
Contact Information
賴婉琪
laiyk@mx.nthu.edu.tw