Faculty Publications

Bridging the Gap: Creating Intergenerational Alliances in Men’s Sheds

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Men’s sheds, psychosocial benefits, purpose, relationships

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Intergenerational Relationships

Abstract

Men’s Sheds began in Australia and sheds can now be found all over the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate an intergenerational shed in America due to no previous research catered to this phenomenon. The shed was located in a Southern state of the U.S. and interviews with 10 members were completed, including both men and women of different ages. Transcripts were analyzed using Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis approach. Findings demonstrated two themes: 1) Intergenerational Transmission and Generativity, identified via mentoring between older/younger members and the purpose this provided to older adults. 2) Infrastructure for Intergenerational Connections was an additional theme noted due to the shed beginning on a college campus and because of the consistent evening and weekend hours that the shed was open. Men’s Sheds may be useful to younger and older adults, assisting them with different developmental transitions as they age.

Department

Department of Family, Aging and Counseling

Original Publication Date

11-26-2025

DOI of published version

10.1080/15350770.2025.2594626

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