Abstract/Details

THE MEANING OF CAREER PATTERNS IN THE ADULT DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN IN GRADUATE SCHOOL

SCHERR, MARY WOODS.   The Claremont Graduate University and San Diego State University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing,  1983. 8309667.

Abstract (summary)

This study was designed to contribute toward an understanding of women's adult development. Using a modification of Glaser and Strauss' methodology, the author systematically analyzed interview data from 30 women enrolled in a doctoral program in education at Claremont Graduate School. The subjects included beginning and advanced doctoral students who ranged in age from 23-57: single women, married women without children, and divorced and married women with children. A comparison group included eight, non-student, working mothers.

Six career patterns described and charted the combination and sequence of the multiple roles fulfilled by women in graduate school: student, worker, wife, and mother. Unexpectedly, women's views of success and maturity became a crucial link between career patterns and the doctoral program. These views carried attitudinal and behavioral implications for the graduate school experience. Women defined success as the achievement of both personal and professional goals. Their dual goals were reflected in the mature qualities they admired in women: some qualities sustained relationships; others promote professional achievement.

The chief costs of earning a doctorate were the program's negative effects on a woman's personal relationships. The major benefits promoted a sense of identity: greater self-confidence and increased knowledge. Regardless of their career pattern, age, or familial status--the ideal for graduate women was a balance between a professional life as an educator and satisfying, personal relationships. The most auspicious pattern for achieving this balance was attainment of the doctorate before child-rearing.

This thesis illustrated the interrelationship of concepts and presented empirical evidence which demonstrated complexity and variety in women's lives and the importance of identity and relationships. Data supported Gilligan's finding that separation and attachment of connectedness are fused for women. In addition, the interview data suggested a new metaphor for the adult development of women: A musical pattern known for its complexity and variety--the Fugue. A single voice states the theme at the beginning. Other voices enter, suggesting the desire of women to harmonize other roles with their own sense of self. The fugue has no definite form; therefore, the process rather than the pattern is celebrated.

Indexing (details)


Subject
Developmental psychology
Classification
0620: Developmental psychology
Identifier / keyword
Psychology
Title
THE MEANING OF CAREER PATTERNS IN THE ADULT DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN IN GRADUATE SCHOOL
Author
SCHERR, MARY WOODS
Number of pages
213
Degree date
1983
School code
0760
Source
DAI-B 43/12, Dissertation Abstracts International
Place of publication
Ann Arbor
Country of publication
United States
ISBN
979-8-204-97650-4
University/institution
The Claremont Graduate University and San Diego State University
University location
United States -- California
Degree
Ph.D.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
8309667
ProQuest document ID
303228153
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/docview/303228153