Old Men’s Truth: The ‘Poverty Generation’ of Neighborhood Men Talk about Life in Jerusalem’s Old City

A generational divide shapes the lived experiences of lower-class Palestinian men in Jerusalem's Old City, revealing stark contrasts between their formative years under Jordanian rule (1948–1967) and subsequent periods. These 'old men,' united by shared age, spatial ties, and social class, contrast their childhood marked by poverty and communal values with post-1967 economic growth, materialism, and individualism—both now overshadowed by perceived decline in community, education, and occupation policies. The study challenges traditional periodization of generations, emphasizing how political events and domination intersect with generational identity.

Becker, J. (2013). Old Men’s Truth: The ‘Poverty Generation’ of Neighborhood Men Talk about Life in Jerusalem’s Old City. Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication, 6(3), 264–285. https://doi.org/10.1163/18739865-00603002