Dokumenty pamiętnikarskie źródłem wiedzy o życiu seniorów w okresie młodszoszkolnym w latach 1939-1956

Abstract

There is insufficient recognition in gerontological studies for issues concerning elderly people in relation to social phenomena occurring in Poland. One important question is which type of scientific research to choose, including a qualitative study. The author of this publication identifies and justifies the value of information contained in elderly people’s diaries deriving from their childhoods and a primary school period. Her intention is to draw attention to the necessity of making use of those documents from specific periods, i.e. the years of World War II and People’s Republic of Poland. Despite the considerations are based on biographical materials of seniors from Cieszyn Silesia and Upper Silesia, many of the conclusions from the empirical studies might be useful for researchers analysing gerontology in other regions of the country.