Hidden Among the Hidden (UK)

"The Hidden among the Hidden is a poignant, moving, in-depth ethnographic account of 13 older African American male caregivers. The authors beautifully weave the men's stories, depicting the joys, sorrows, and challenges of caregiving while simultaneously linking their experiences to their cultural and historical roots of segregation, suffering, and oppression that instilled the moral value of taking care of elder family or community members in need. These men-the "hidden among the hidden" -exemplify the commitment, love, and service of millions of caregivers worldwide." --The Gerontologist "This is a highly significant work for several reasons. First, it fills a major gap in research in gerontology and family sociology and history, by focusing on male caregivers of impaired and infirm older adults. Second, it confronts major stereotypes of African-American men, showing how they take on responsibilities for family caregiving, even when these tasks are difficult or nearly impossible. Finally, it links the act of giving care for a family member to African-American history, and in so doing, it deeply expresses the historical linkages among African-American generations and a powerful sense of shared community and love. It is an excellent and important book." - Robert L. Rubinstein, PhD, MA, Professor of Anthropology, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) "The book is a welcomed and vital addition and enhancement in the fields of gerontology, social Work, sociology, and African-American studies because it deepens and expands the existing knowledgebase. The book uses an ethnographic and a deeply engaging interviewing method with the informants that yields beautiful stories with a candid range of emotions, difficulties, and joys that these men experience and even, in some cases, concluding with the painful death of their wives. This book can be easily adapted for use in a college course or would even be a welcomed addition for laypeople who are interested in enhancing their knowledge in this underexplored subject area. I commend authors Black, Groce, and Harmon for aptly filling a void in the research literature and illuminating such expansive accounts of African-American life." - Richard M. Cooper, PhD, MSW, Clinical Assistant Professor, Center for Social Work Education, Widener University "In The Hidden Among the Hidden, Black, Groce, and Harmon, who have firsthand experience as caregivers, explore the caregiving experiences of African American elderly men, a group that has garnered limited attention in the caregiving literature. The authors, using their strong interpersonal skills, created the space for the men who participated in the study to share their poignant and heartbreaking stories, narratives, trials, tribulations, and joys associated with the practice of caregiving. . . . Black, Groce, and Harmon are to be congratulated for focusing on the positive accomplishments of African American men as it is a refreshing break from the negative, demeaning images and representations of African American men that tend to dominate the media. With this volume, 'the hidden among the hidden' will become more visible and recognized for the critical and important roles of caregivers." - David Este, PhD, MSW, MA, Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary