Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


case1056134840.pdf (5.58 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Qualitative analysis of child-caring experiences of religious sisters

Gottfried, George Michael
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1056134840

Abstract Details

1992, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Sociology.
This study involves a partial life history ethnographic analysis of child-caring experiences of religious sisters at a children's home prior to 1970. Thirteen women were interviewed about their experiences during their child-caring assignment at the St. Cloud Children's Home. Most were assigned there during the 1940's and 1950's, but one was there in 1925. Also pertinent to this study was any subsequent meaning these experiences had for these women upon reflection. The findings suggest that the women in the study saw the experience as a good one for them, but tended not to dwell on the past. Most felt they did the best they could and moved on from there. All of the women in the study came from rural areas and relatively large families. Decisions to enter the convent were made in later teenage and in the early twenties at a time when most people were dealing with issues of autonomy and intimacy. Since the community itself had a rule about close relationships, these nuns were not supposed to develop close or special relationships with anyone. This issue suggests that those children they managed may also have had some developmental delays due to the paucity of affectional relationships from these child caring staff people. The outcome of the study has rele vancy for social work as it highlights a piece of institutional history by the reminiscences of these nuns as well as the recall of the researcher who grew up in that environment. In addition, it may hold meaning for future uses of institutions as programmed facilities for children who are homeless or the product of drug users who cannot care for their own.
Howard Goldstein (Advisor)
183 p.
Qualitative analysis child-caring experiences religious sisters

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Gottfried, G. M. (1992). Qualitative analysis of child-caring experiences of religious sisters [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1056134840

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Gottfried, George. Qualitative analysis of child-caring experiences of religious sisters. 1992. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1056134840.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Gottfried, George. "Qualitative analysis of child-caring experiences of religious sisters." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 1992. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1056134840

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1056134840
516
© 1992, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.