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International Journal of
Population Studies Australia’s Knitting Nannas lifelong learning

identity. Data about the process indicated a series of “KNAG-ing” (as the Nannas refer to their activism) aligns
informal, situated, experiential, and transformative with her worldview is further evidence of frame alignment:
learning steps, beginning with semistructured instrumental “We have more time than most people today, and
learning (Branagan & Boughton, 2003) of the mock we have seen the effects of poorly planned decisions
blockade and then transitioning to an actual blockade in regarding the environment etc. We can clearly see
the GFNR NVDA CoP. what is happening to our planet and have a very strong

3.3. Resisting ageist sexism for a meaningful sense and need to protect our grandchildren. We try
retirement and keep the planet in some sort of healthy state for all
future generations.”
The culture on which KNAG was founded recognized
that age should not be a barrier to activism. Resistance 3.4. Using strategic essentialism is empowering and
against ageist sexism served as a motivational factor for builds connection
participation. The specific form of NVDA employed Being a KNAG is power-shifting. Nannas claim that
by KNAG pragmatically and gracefully aligns with the the act of being in a group of old women, sitting and
capacities of aging women. Respondent S.27 indicated that knitting defuses situations where tensions and aggression
many women perceive this approach as empowering and emerge. Respondent S.7 provides an example of this use
effective: of strategic essentialism to de-escalate tensions. This
“I liked that it is a woman’s way of protesting: non- practice is consistent with the literature (Della Porta &
confrontational, talking patiently to people, being Diani, 2006; Ricketts, 2012) on NVDA as a powerful tactic
visible and determined, understanding that change that engenders loyalty shifts. “Sitting with knitting gear is
takes as long as it takes, cementing friendships, incredibly calming when the police are aggressive. Older
knitting useful stuff, and being creative, learning more women are together, seemingly ‘harmless’ but insistent.”
about the issues, talking and sharing. There is strength As previously mentioned, Canada’s Raging Grannies
in being part of a group.” had comparable experiences and used similar tactics,
Being retired and older offers individuals an opportunity unbeknown to KNAG (interviewee Nanna Angie, involved
to choose how to spend their time, liberated from the in KNAG since 2014).
responsibilities of employment and family commitments. Women mentioned feeling dignified, braver, and
Nannas in this study ranged in age from 45 to 84, with the surprised at their emerging fearlessness. Respondent
majority falling between 50 and 74 (88%, n = 61, Survey S.53 commented that she noticed “just how brave I can
data Q4: Age category) and typically over half were retired be,” while Respondent S.17 described this feeling as “the
(54%, n = 30, out of 56 responses). creative spirit and bravery.” Respondent S.21 considered
Respondent S.2 viewed this participation as being able the KNAG identity as “a way of protesting with dignity,
to be actively involved and contribute meaningfully. Of standing with other strong, fearless women in a non-
importance to her was the enjoyment of being supported violent, yet very effective manner.”
by “like-minded women” while she had an intrinsic A sense of achievement and popularity by using non-
motivation of wanting to contribute meaningfully to threatening humor and light-heartedness adds to the
society: existing intrinsic motivational condition (Wlodkowski
“[The KNAG movement has grown quickly because & Ginsberg, 2017). A strong sense of camaraderie was
of …] the interest and concern, particularly with older developed through “sisterhood,” deploying the SML logic
KNAG. They have retired and now have the time and of numbers (Della Porta & Diani, 2006), and the added
support from other like-minded women. The KNAG effect of developing friendships. KNAGing, according to
come along, and whammo! That’s how we can do our bit.” Respondent S.56:
Older women protesting with other older women send “… gives opportunity to continue campaigns through
a strong visual image of concern for future generations. a lighthearted platform. It gives friendship and
The Nannas connect with intergenerational climate support to women working for the same outcomes.
justice through their actions. This accords with the It encourages others to be brave, strength in
intrinsic motivation more prevalent in older learners numbers. It is a popular movement that has caught
and the empowerment sought by critical feminist people’s eye. It is effective.”
geragogy. Respondent S.21 said that her concern for KNAG’s recognition of their growing bravery indicates
future generations was her motivation. The way in which that the learning experiences of on-the-job activism

Volume 10 Issue 2 (2024) 11 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.381