It's where my roots are: Identity and place in the lives of older rural women

This thesis explores identity construction and rootedness in place through the collection of life histories of older rural New Brunswick women who have lived their lives in place over a long period of time. With an entrenched rural ideology and lives that have spanned three distinct societies, the women spoke at length about a changed rural ideology and way of life, as well as changes inherent in their own aging process. In both cases, changes were understood primarily in negative terms and articulated as a deep sense of loss. The study highlights the importance of place in the lives of these women, as well as the significant relationship between place and identity. It also draws attention to a number of tensions evident in the women's lives as they age and consider options for their futures.